Abducted MCA links his ordeal to fallout with Wajir governor

Dela Ward MCA Yussuf Ahmed addresses a media briefing on his abduction, in Nairobi, on April 13, 2025. [Benard Orwongo, Standard] 

The Dela Ward MCA, Yussuf Ahmed, has now accused Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi of orchestrating his abduction, claiming he was tortured and repeatedly questioned over his opposition to the county budget.

While addressing the media on Sunday, Ahmed alleged that his abduction was politically motivated, linking it to his vocal stance against the Wajir County administration’s financial decisions and governance.

“I am alive, conscious, and fully aware of everything that transpired during my illegal confinement,” he said.

He recounted the harrowing experience of repeated interrogation and intimidation during his six months in captivity .

He was abducted on the night of September 13, 2024, along Enterprise Road in Nairobi. The MCA was released and reunited with his family on the evening of March 8, 2025.

According to the Ahmed, during his six-month ordeal, he was subjected to the same line of questioning every morning and evening, with interrogators allegedly demanding to know why he opposed the Governor, the county budget, and why he was pushing for the settlement of pending bills.

“Throughout my captivity, I was repeatedly tormented and interrogated. Until the evening I was finally released under firm instructions to leave the Governor alone,” said Ahmed.

This comes just a day after Governor Abdullahi denied any involvement in the MCA’s disappearance, dismissing the claims as baseless and politically motivated.

“The only difference that the MCA alleges is that of Budget estimates for the 2024/25 financial year, where nine out of 45 MCAs opposed, while 36 supported. In a democracy, the minority have their say, but the majority have their way. Why were the other eight members who opposed the estimates not targeted?” the Governor posed.

Further, Abdullahi suggested that the claims by Ahmed are part of a broader political scheme to tarnish his name, pointing fingers at an unnamed politician whom he accused of orchestrating a long-running campaign of sabotage against him.

“Security is a national government function, and I do not direct or interfere with security-related investigations,” he said.

The Governor, while denying involvement in the alleged abduction, said he is ready to take legal action to protect his reputation. He urged the Ahmed to table evidence to support his claims.

But the MCA, who has served as the Minority Leader in the county assembly, insisted the threats to his life have not stopped.

He claimed that even after his release, he continues to face legal and police intimidation, which he attributes to the office of the Governor.

“The Governor must take responsibility for subjecting me to unimaginable suffering for six months, and for continuing to threaten me with lawsuits and police action. I have had enough,” he said.

He called on the Inspector General of Police to provide him with adequate security, stating that he fears for his safety and well-being.

Ahmed stated that he will not relent in his fight against what he described as poor governance, embezzlement, and misuse of public resources in the county.

“I have no intention of ceasing my advocacy,” he said.