Tuesday October 22, 2024
Yusuf Hussein Ahmed, a Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Della Anole Ward, pictured addressing supporters during a local event. Ahmed, whose body was tragically found mutilated after his abduction, was a well-respected leader in Wajir County. Credit: Supplied/Facebook
NAIROBI, Kenya (HOL) — The mutilated body of Yusuf Hussein Ahmed, a Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Della Anole Ward in Wajir County, has been found in Lake Yahud more than a month after he was abducted in Nairobi. Ahmed, who was also the Minority Leader in the Wajir County Assembly, was taken by unknown assailants on the night of September 13. His body, showing horrific signs of torture, was retrieved by security forces on Wednesday, triggering public outrage and intensifying questions about Kenya's growing crisis of enforced disappearances.
Ahmed's family, who had been searching for him for over 40 days, positively identified the body despite its severe mutilation. His eyes had been gouged out, his hands and nose severed, and his face was doused in acid in what appeared to be an attempt to make identification impossible. A missing finger from birth allowed the family to confirm his identity.
"The condition of the body is beyond horrific—it's almost impossible to recognize," said MCA Aden Keynan Wehliye, a senior figure in Wajir's political scene, who arrived at the hospital shortly after the body was brought in. "Many believe it could be Ahmed, but it's hard to say for sure given his state. It's inhuman, something no one should go through."
Ahmed's disappearance began on the night of September 13, when he was abducted from a taxi while travelling along Enterprise Road in Nairobi. His driver recounted how two black Land Cruiser Prados blocked their vehicle before armed men dragged Ahmed from the car. The driver's phone was stolen during the attack but later recovered, helping investigators trace part of the abduction's timeline.
Despite some early leads, the investigation has stalled. Investigators have faced major challenges, including delays in obtaining CCTV footage and call data. Requests to the Internet Crime Complaint Centre (IC3) for footage were denied, and police have yet to retrieve critical communications from Ahmed's mobile phone network.
Senior police officials have described the investigation as "complex," but frustration among the family and community is mounting. "We are still waiting for answers, but it feels like no one is taking this seriously," said Abdikadir Abdulahi Ahmed, Yusuf's cousin.
Ahmed's family has taken legal action. They petitioned the High Court to compel the Inspector General of Police and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to produce Ahmed, dead or alive. The family argues that his enforced disappearance violated his constitutional rights to habeas corpus and due process.
There is growing suspicion that elements within the state may have orchestrated Ahmed's abduction. "We have reason to believe this wasn't a random crime," said Abdikadir. "If Yusuf had committed any offence, he should have been arrested and charged, not abducted and tortured."
Supporters hold placards demanding the release of Yusuf Hussein Ahmed, a Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Della Ward, Wajir County, who was abducted in Nairobi on September 13, 2024. His family and community launched a campaign for his safe return, as concerns about his whereabouts mounted.
Ahmed's murder has struck a nerve across Kenya, especially in Wajir, where he was a respected leader. His disappearance has become part of a troubling pattern of forced disappearances in the country, a trend that human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned.
Protests have erupted in Wajir and other parts of Kenya, with residents demanding accountability and transparency. "This isn't just about Yusuf; it's about all of us," said Adan Issack, a community leader in Wajir. "If an elected official can be taken like this, what hope do ordinary citizens have?"
Ahmed's case also casts a harsh spotlight on President William Ruto's government, which had promised to end forced disappearances. Despite these assurances, dozens of Kenyans remain missing, with many cases linked to security agencies. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has acknowledged the growing number of complaints but has so far been unable to resolve most of them.
Ahmed's legal team has accused law enforcement of dragging their feet, with lawyers claiming the police are showing little urgency in resolving the case. The Director of Public Prosecutions and the Director of Criminal Investigations have been ordered to protect key witnesses as the investigation progresses.
"We are waiting on forensic results before any further actions can be taken," MCA Aden Keynan Wehliye said. "But the investigation is moving slowly, and people are losing patience."
Despite the delays, authorities have confirmed that the body will not be buried until the forensic tests are complete, keeping hopes alive for a conclusive resolution.
For Ahmed's family, the discovery of his body, though providing a form of closure, has done little to ease their pain. "We will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice," said Abdikadir. "Yusuf was more than just a politician—he was a father, a brother, a leader to his community. His loss is a loss for all of us."