Family of three Eastleigh murder victims express frustrations over delayed investigation

The family of three individuals killed in Nairobi on Tuesday morning has expressed their frustration, stating that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is taking too long to apprehend those responsible for the brutal killings.

The victims include Amina Abdirashid, her aunt, Waris Daud, and her niece, Nuseiba Dahir, who were all abducted and killed in what the family describes as a shocking and senseless crime.

Bisharo Mohamud, the mother of Amina, voiced her concerns at Nairobi City Mortuary, where the bodies of the victims are being held. She said she had hoped to see swift action from the police before it was too late to hold those responsible accountable.

Speaking to Eastleigh Voice, Bisharo shared her disbelief over her daughter's death. "My daughter, together with her aunt and niece, were killed mercilessly. Never have I ever thought this would happen," she said.

Bisharo Mohamud, mother of Amina Abdirashid, who was among the three killed in Nairobi on Tuesday. (Abdirahman Khalif)

Bisharo explained that her daughter had no known enemies and was not involved in any business that could have sparked rivalries. She added that those who killed her daughter must face justice.

She also shed light on how her daughter and niece were lured into the taxi that was later used to abduct them from their home.

According to Bisharo, the two girls had come down from their building to escort their mother upstairs. They believed the vehicle was just like any other taxi, but once they got near, they were forced inside by the occupants.

"They came to receive their mother and take her home, but they were kidnapped and forced into the taxi," she said.

Bisharo also revealed that one of the girls had made several calls around 4 am but the family was unable to respond, as they were asleep at the time.

The gruesome killings have drawn the attention of local leaders, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan, and Eastleigh North Member of County Assembly Ahmedkadar Dabar. The leaders visited the victims' families at the mortuary to offer their condolences and demand urgent action.

Senator Sifuna condemned the killings and called on the DCI to bring the perpetrators to justice as soon as possible.

"Given the recent wave of abductions and killings, it's hard to believe anyone feels a sense of safety in our own country right now. Nobody is safe until all of us are safe," Sifuna said.

Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan consoling the mother of Amina Abdirashid at Nairobi City Mortuary. (Abdirahman Khalif)

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan echoed these concerns, describing the situation as a tragedy for the Eastleigh community. He called for a thorough investigation and for the authorities to move quickly in apprehending those responsible.

"The Eastleigh community is devastated and in mourning over this tragedy. This has never happened in our community before. There is fear and panic, and I urge the security forces to act quickly to restore the confidence of the people of Eastleigh," he said.

Ahmedkadar Dabar also urged the police to delve deeper into the investigation and uncover the truth behind the killings, emphasising that the community is waiting for answers.

The DCI is expected to finalise its report soon, and the family hopes to be able to bury their loved ones by Friday. Under Islamic tradition, burials are typically conducted as soon as possible after death.

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan mourns the loss of three women and calls for a thorough investigation and the prompt apprehension of the perpetrators

MP Yusuf Hassan: The Eastleigh community is devastated and in mourning over this tragedy. This has never happened in our community… pic.twitter.com/lURjFozDnq

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) October 23, 2024

Businesses in Eastleigh will remain closed on Thursday morning until after dhuhur (lunchtime) as a sign of respect and solidarity with the victims' families.

The three women were killed under unclear circumstances, and the community has expressed its outrage and grief, calling for justice and swift action from law enforcement.

The investigation is ongoing, and the family, along with the community, awaits further updates from the DCI.