On October 31, 2024, the County Assemblies Forum (CAF) convened its Governing Council alongside County Assembly House leaders to address mounting concerns over the safety of Members of County Assembly (MCAs) across Kenya. Central to the meeting was the recent and deeply troubling disappearance of Wajir MCA Hon. Yusuf Ahmed, who has been missing for over seven weeks. This incident has heightened concerns among county representatives, with no clear actions taken by authorities to ensure his safe return.
CAF has reached out repeatedly to the Inspector General and other relevant authorities, urging swift and transparent action, but no progress has been made in locating Hon. Ahmed. The Forum notes that this abduction is not an isolated incident, citing numerous threats and assaults on MCAs across the country. Such events, CAF asserts, erode public trust in the government’s commitment to safeguarding elected representatives and ensuring the rule of law.
CAFs condemns this abduction and any form of intimidation against MCAs who serve in the interest of the public. The Forum calls upon government agencies to prioritize the security of all MCAs and establish stronger accountability measures to prevent further acts of violence or harassment.
To underscore its stand, CAF has issued a seven-day ultimatum for the government to locate and produce Hon. Yusuf Ahmed. If this demand is unmet, all 47 county assemblies will suspend operations and adjourn sittings in solidarity with Wajir County Assembly.
CAF’s Immediate Demands Include,
- Location and Safe Return of Hon. Yusuf Ahmed: The Forum demands his immediate release to his family and community.
- Improved Security Measures for MCAs: CAF calls for robust protections for all county representatives to perform their duties without fear.
- Transparency and Accountability: CAF urges the government to demonstrate its commitment to upholding justice and the safety of public officials.
CAF remains committed to fostering an environment where MCAs can serve their communities without fear or intimidation, upholding the core principles of democracy and justice.
