Wajir governor denies involvement in MCA's abduction, cites political witch-hunt

Wajir governor denies involvement in MCA's abduction, cites political witch-hunt

The governor said that the claims made against him are without merit and that there is no evidence linking him to the incident saying he will be pursuing separate legal action in response to the accusations.

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has denied any involvement in the abduction of Dela Ward MCA Yussuf Tolfiyo, who recently returned from captivity after six months.

In a press statement issued following public accusations by the MCA, Governor Ahmed dismissed the claims as baseless and politically motivated. He expressed concern for both his own safety and that of the MCA, calling for a thorough investigation into the allegations.

He said that the statements made by Yussuf have serious implications and should be formally investigated.

The governor called on Yussuf to provide evidence and submit any relevant information to the authorities.

"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 asked.

The governor said that the claims made against him are without merit and that there is no evidence linking him to the incident saying he will be pursuing separate legal action in response to the accusations.

Politician undermining him

Ahmed also accused an unnamed politician from Wajir of being behind a long-standing political campaign against him, claiming that this politician has consistently undermined him throughout his political career but has never had the courage to come forward publicly.

He further stated that security matters are under the jurisdiction of the national government, and he does not have the authority to direct or interfere with any security-related investigations.

"Security is a national government function, and I do not direct or interfere with security-related investigations," he said.

Politically motivated abduction

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.

He said the conflict arose from disagreements over the county budget.

According to the MCA, he and other members of the assembly had opposed the proposed budget and had taken the matter to court.

Yusuf alleged that in the days leading up to his abduction, he was approached by the Wajir County Commissioner, who reportedly called him personally and advised him to withdraw his influence over the budget discussions.

The MCA said he rejected the suggestion, insisting that as an elected representative, it was his duty to provide oversight and not to approve any financial plan that did not serve the interests of the people he represents.

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