Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has firmly denied any involvement in the alleged abduction of Dela Ward MCA Yussuf Tolfiyo. The MCA, who recently reappeared after being missing for six months, claimed his kidnapping was politically driven. Speaking in a press release on Friday, April 12, 2025, Governor Abdullahi called the accusations baseless and described them as part of a political smear campaign. He urged authorities to launch a formal investigation and emphasized that he has no power over national security operations.
Governor Calls Claims Baseless and Politically Motivated
Governor Abdullahi dismissed the MCA’s allegations, saying they lack evidence and appear to be politically charged. He also expressed concern for both his own safety and that of the MCA.
“The allegations made by Hon. Yussuf are serious and should be investigated thoroughly by relevant authorities,” the governor stated. He encouraged the MCA to share any evidence or relevant information with the police.
Abdullahi emphasized that decisions made during the county’s 2024/2025 budget process were lawful and democratic. “Out of 45 members, only nine opposed the budget estimates. Why then was only one MCA allegedly targeted?” he asked.
Governor to Take Legal Action Against Accusation
Governor Abdullahi has announced his intent to pursue legal action over the accusations made against him. He insists that no evidence links him to the abduction of the MCA.
He reiterated that he does not control or influence security investigations. “Security is a function of the national government. I have no authority to direct or interfere in such matters,” Abdullahi clarified.
Accusations of a Political Campaign
Governor Abdullahi further claimed that a fellow Wajir politician is behind the continuous efforts to tarnish his name. Without naming the individual, Abdullahi said this person has been working against him for years.
“There is a politician who has consistently undermined me but never has the courage to come out in the open,” he said, implying that the abduction accusation might be part of a broader campaign to discredit him ahead of future political contests.
MCA Yussuf Tolfiyo Alleges Politically Motivated Abduction
Yussuf Tolfiyo, who serves as the minority leader in the Wajir County Assembly, spoke at a press conference in Nairobi on Friday. He alleged that his abduction was politically motivated and tied to disagreements over the county budget.
According to Tolfiyo, he and several other MCAs opposed the proposed budget and took legal action to halt its implementation. He claims that this opposition made him a target.
Tolfiyo also said that prior to his abduction, he received a call from the Wajir County Commissioner. During the call, he was allegedly pressured to step back from the budget discussions. He refused.
“As an elected official, my role is to provide checks and ensure the county funds benefit the people. I could not accept a budget I believed was flawed,” he said during the press briefing.
Security Jurisdiction Lies With National Government
Governor Abdullahi underlined that county leaders do not oversee or influence national security operations. He made it clear that matters like investigations and policing fall under national government control.
This statement echoes Kenya’s legal framework, where the National Police Service, under the Ministry of Interior, holds responsibility for such cases.
A Developing Story with Political Implications
This case adds another layer to ongoing political tensions in Wajir County. With claims of abduction, budget disputes, and legal threats in play, the situation highlights the strained relationships within the local government.
Governor Abdullahi’s public response aims to clear his name, while MCA Tolfiyo’s statements call for deeper scrutiny of county politics and governance.