Garissa family seeks help to trace Sheikh who mysteriously vanished in Nairobi

A relative holds a copy of Sheikh Ismail Billow’s national ID. (Photo: Handout)

By Abdirahman Khalif
Saturday, November 23, 2024

The family is now appealing to the public for help, urging anyone with information to contact the nearest police station or call 0720828901.

A family in Garissa is seeking answers after their kin, Sheikh Ismail Billow, mysteriously disappeared in Nairobi's South B estate. The Sheikh, who has been missing since last Monday, was last in contact with his wife, Halima Mohamed, on the day of his disappearance.

According to Ismail's cousin, Ahmed Mohamed, Halima spoke to her husband on Monday afternoon. During the call, Ismail said he was heading to a house where he was staying with Deqa, a relative, in South B.

More To Read

However, when Halima tried to call him again around 4 pm, the phone rang but went unanswered. Later that evening, at 10 pm, her calls were still not received. By Tuesday morning, Ismail's phone was switched off, and subsequent attempts to reach him failed.

Alarmed by the situation, the family filed a missing person's report with the police and began searching for him.

A video grab image of Sheikh Ismail Billow who mysteriously disappeared in Nairobi's South B estate. (Photo: Video grab)

No trace

Ahmed explained that their efforts included visiting hospitals and mortuaries, including Kenyatta National Hospital, but they found no trace of Ismail.

Ismail is a father of four children who is married and lives with Halima in Garissa. He worked with several Islamic organisations, including the Al Farooq Orphanage Center in Garissa, which provides free education and essential services to orphans.

Ismail resided in Bulla Rig, Galbet Ward, Garissa Township Constituency.

Ahmed said they feel confused over Ismail's disappearance, stating that the Sheikh was known for his disciplined and peaceful nature.

The family is now appealing to the public for help, urging anyone with information to contact the nearest police station or call 0720828901.

The incident adds to the growing concern over missing persons in Kenya.

Recent cases of disappearances and the discovery of unidentified bodies across the country have drawn criticism.

President William Ruto had pledged to address the issue of mysterious disappearances and extrajudicial killings, both before and after assuming office. However, these promises remain unfulfilled as families like Ismail's continue to face unanswered questions.