Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi is a key political figure in northeastern Kenya, known for his leadership in one of the country’s most remote and arid counties. As the first elected governor of Wajir County following the implementation of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, Abdullahi has played a significant role in shaping local governance and development in the region. His journey has been marked by both achievement and controversy, especially during his second term which began after the 2022 general elections.
Ahmed Abdullahi first rose to prominence in 2013 when he was elected as the inaugural governor of Wajir County. Coming from a public finance background, he brought to office a strong focus on improving service delivery in areas such as water access, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. These areas are especially critical in Wajir, a county plagued by drought, poor roads, and limited access to social services. During his first term from 2013 to 2017, Abdullahi initiated several development projects aimed at addressing these long-standing challenges. His governance style emphasized budgeting and resource allocation, reflecting his training in economics and finance.
Despite these efforts, Abdullahi lost his re-election bid in 2017 to Mohamed Abdi Mohamud. The loss marked a temporary setback in his political career, as he retreated from the public eye to reassess and reorganize. During this period, Wajir continued to face issues related to clan rivalries, limited resources, and governance challenges. In 2022, Ahmed Abdullahi staged a political comeback, winning back the governor’s seat under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which is part of the Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya Coalition. His return was welcomed by supporters who believed he could revive stalled development projects and stabilize county leadership.
Since taking office again, Governor Abdullahi has worked to rebuild trust and accelerate development. His administration has focused on continuing infrastructure projects, improving access to health services, and enhancing education. However, his second term has not been without controversy. In April 2025, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi was accused by Dela Ward MCA Yussuf Tolfiyo of being involved in a politically motivated abduction. The MCA, who had gone missing for six months, resurfaced and alleged that his disappearance was linked to his opposition to the county’s 2024/2025 budget.
Governor Abdullahi firmly denied the allegations, calling them baseless and part of a wider political smear campaign. He stated that county officials do not have control over security operations, which are the responsibility of the national government under Kenya’s legal framework. He further emphasized that security matters fall under the jurisdiction of the National Police Service and the Ministry of Interior. Abdullahi urged authorities to investigate the claims thoroughly and asked the MCA to provide any evidence to support his accusations. He also announced plans to take legal action against what he described as defamatory statements meant to damage his political reputation.
The governor also claimed that a fellow Wajir politician, whom he did not name, had been working for years to undermine him. He suggested that the abduction allegations might be part of a broader campaign to discredit him in preparation for future political contests. This development has added a new layer to the already tense political environment in Wajir, where clan politics and personal rivalries often influence governance and decision-making.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi remains a central figure in the county’s political scene. His leadership style combines technical knowledge with a deep understanding of the region’s socio-political dynamics. While supporters view him as a reformer with the ability to deliver development, critics point to ongoing disputes and governance issues as signs of deeper problems. As political tensions rise and investigations into recent allegations continue, all eyes remain on Abdullahi’s administration and its ability to navigate the challenges ahead.