By Abdihakim Siyad.
WAJIR – The political landscape of Wajir County was thrown into disarray today following the return of Dela Anole Ward MCA Yusuf Ahmed, popularly known as Tolfiyow.
The now turned vocal county Assembly Member and vocal critic of the Wajir County government reemerged in his hometown after enduring six harrowing months in captivity.
Tolfiyow’s return, anticipated by many as a triumphant homecoming, turned out to be a politically charged and somber affair.
Despite his high-profile abduction case and the gravity of his ordeal, only one elected official his area MP, Adan Keynan was present to welcome him back.
Dela Anole Ward Member of County Assembly Yussuf Hussein Ahmed popularly known as "Tolfiyow" Returns to Wajir after enduring 6-Month Ordeal in captivity.
Tolfiyow returned to the county with only MP Adan Keynan in the company—raising questions over the absence of other leaders… pic.twitter.com/tnfnWA3FmO
— Frontier Online (@FrontierOnlineK) April 25, 2025
The absence of other county leaders, including fellow MCAs and top county officials, raised questions and sparked widespread public debate across the county.
A Member of the County Assembly from Wajir County, who spoke to Frontier Online on condition of anonymity, claimed that most MCAs chose to skip the event because it was “hijacked” by Adan Keynan for personal political gain.
“This was no longer a neutral homecoming,” the MCA said. “It was turned into a political stage, and many of us didn’t want to be part of that.”
Tolfiyow was abducted under mysterious circumstances six months ago in Nairobi, with his disappearance sending shockwaves across the country.
His whereabouts remained unknown for months, raising concerns over the safety of political leaders who challenge the status quo.
His sudden release however brought both relief and controversy in equal measure.
In a bold statement he made following his return, Tolfiyow accused Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi of being behind his abduction — a claim that has only deepened political fault lines in the county.
Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi, Governor Ahmed Abdullahi strongly denied the allegations, calling them a political witch-hunt intended to tarnish his leadership and name and which is meant to ignite clan hostilities in the county.
Meanwhile, the public has been left to interpret the unfolding events on their own, fueling speculation and rumors about the real motives behind the abduction and the silence of other leaders.
Tolfiyow’s ordeal is seen by many as a reflection of deeper systemic issues in Wajir politics — the suppression of dissent, the misuse of power, and the extreme measures taken to silence opposition.
His survival and courageous return have reignited discussions on justice, transparency, and leadership accountability.
As Tolfiyow resumes his duties and adjusts to life post-captivity, one thing is clear: his return marks not the end, but the beginning of a new and volatile chapter in Wajir’s political narrative.
Loyalties will be tested, alliances will shift, and the search for truth surrounding his disappearance may finally begin to unfold.
