I had nothing to do with Dela Ward MCA's abduction, says Wajir Governor

Hours after the Dela Ward MCA Yussuf Tolfiyo alleged that Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi Mohamed orchestrated his abduction in September 2024, the county boss has now denied the claims.

Yussuf had disappeared for six months before being found in March 2025.

In a press statement issued following public accusations by the MCA, Governor Ahmed dismissed the claims as baseless and politically motivated, arguing the MCA's statements were meant to malign him.

"The people of Wajir know what is going on. They know that statement was meant to malign me in Nairobi, especially now that I'm chair of the Council of Governors, and a few people who didn't know me are getting to me by virtue of that position," said Ahmed.

The Governor went ahead to claim that, contrary to Yussuf's claims, he was worried about the MCA's disappearance.

"We were very happy when we got our brother back. If there is one man who was worried about his disappearance, it was me (sic). Because it was raising tensions for us on the ground," said Ahmed.

The governor called on Yussuf to provide evidence to relevant authorities that his abduction was linked to a budget dispute in Wajir County.

"The only difference that the Hon. MCA alleges is that of Budget Estimates for the Financial Year 2024/2025 where nine out of forty-five members opposed, while thirty-six supported. In a democracy, the minority has their say, but the majority have their way. Why were the other eight members who opposed the estimates not targeted?" Ahmed posed.

Governor Ahmed accused unnamed people from Wajir of being behind a long-standing political campaign against him, claiming that this politician has consistently undermined him throughout his political career.

"They say politics is a very dirty game. It's getting dirtier in North Eastern. It's very dirty in Wajir. There are people who are worried about their political survival, and they are worried about my influence as second-term Governor come 2027," added Ahmed, noting he does not condone abductions.

"So what they are trying to so drive some political capital out of the situation of Yusuf. I do not support abductions. My history is known."

He expressed concern for both his own safety and that of the MCA, calling for a thorough investigation into the allegations.

"I will record a statement with the police requiring them to investigate those claims but also to bolster Yusuf's security.  My biggest fear now is two things: Some deranged person can be sent to endanger my life and use that as an excuse. And two: someone can actually take out Yusuf," remarked Ahmed.

"I will never, can never harm anyone for politics."

Yussuf, who has served as the minority leader in the county assembly, held a press conference in Nairobi on Friday where he claimed his abduction was politically motivated.