A dark cloud hangs over Wajir County as Yussuf Hussein Abdi, the Minority Whip and Della ward representative, has vanished under troubling circumstances. The incident unfolded on the night of September 13, when Abdi was allegedly snatched while riding in a taxi on Enterprise Road in Nairobi.
Witnesses claim that Abdi’s abduction occurred around 9 pm, when two black Land Cruiser Prado vehicles intercepted his taxi. “The situation is deeply troubling,” said Abdille Yusuf, the Speaker of the Wajir Assembly, on September 15. “We are left in the dark about Honorable Abdi’s whereabouts.”
Family members, friends, fellow MCAs, and constituents are all anxiously awaiting news of Abdi. The reasons behind his abduction remain unknown. “We’re not aware of any investigation or charges against Mr. Abdi. If there were issues, we would expect a proper legal process rather than this shocking night-time abduction,” Yusuf remarked.
The MCAs argue that this act violates Mr. Abdi’s rights and constitutes enforced disappearance, which is outlawed under Article 29 of Kenya’s Constitution. “Such actions undermine the constitutional and international principles of personal freedom and security, and threaten the progress made in police reforms,” Yusuf added.
Makadara Sub-County Police Commander Judith Nyongesa responded to inquiries by denying police involvement. “We received a report from a taxi driver, but the details are still scarce,” Nyongesa explained. The driver reported being blocked by a Toyota Prado and witnessing his passenger being forcibly taken. “The driver has since handed over a mobile phone found during the incident, which we’ll analyze to gather more information,” Nyongesa said.
The Wajir MCAs are calling for an immediate and thorough investigation into Abdi’s disappearance. “If those behind this are not security personnel, a comprehensive investigation is crucial. We trust our security forces to locate and rescue him,” the legislators stated. “We’re alarmed by the recent rise in abductions and disappearances.”
The problem of abductions persists despite President William Ruto’s assurances against such crimes. Many Kenyans are still unaccounted for following alleged police abductions during July’s anti-government protests. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) reported ten complaints about abductions in mid-July, but struggled to connect with most complainants. Recent cases include two brothers and a human rights activist missing for nearly a month after being abducted in Kitengela and Mlolongo.
