Eastleigh traders decry wave of abductions as businessman remains missing

The Eastleigh business community, human rights defenders and families of abduction victims are urging the State to take urgent action against a growing wave of enforced disappearances in the area.

A chilling pattern is now emerging in Eastleigh after four prominent businessmen were snatched in a string of brazen abductions within just ten days. 

Human rights defenders, the business community and affected families say the men were taken in late-night operations by individuals believed to be state agents—raids that have left more questions than answers.

Three of the victims have since been released under unclear circumstances and reunited with their families, with one walking free even as a media briefing was ongoing.

But for the family of Haji Abdi Aidid Ali, the ordeal is far from over. Their father remains missing, and the uncertainty is deepening their anguish.

“We are appealing to the government to please help us bring our dad home. We are at the end of Ramadhan, but we are likely to celebrate it without our father… our family is stressed," said Jamal Abdi, son of Haji Abdi.

Haki Africa Activist Hussein Khalid said, “Families all over are preparing for Idd but his family remains sorrowful, not knowing the fate of the leader of their family, not knowing the fate of their father. The entire community in Eastleigh is worried about him. The manner in which he was abducted points to the government's hand in this.”

Witnesses say the operations were precise and well-coordinated, carried out by armed individuals using high-end vehicles. In the case of Haji Abdi, he was intercepted on March 7 while heading for evening prayers. His car was later found abandoned by the roadside.

Eleven days on, the prominent businessman remains missing, as the search for answers grows more urgent.

“He was taken by armed men dressed in jungle green uniforms. Since that time, his whereabouts remain unknown. His family has been left in a state of anguish and profound sorrow," said Eastleigh business community chair Ahmed Abdullahi.

The Eastleigh business community and residents say they are increasingly alarmed by the wave of abductions and the silence from authorities.

“The disappearance of our member under such troubling circumstances has created deep disturbance and anxiety among the community. We are making a strong humanitarian request for those holding him, please release him to the family," Abdullahi added.

Khalid, on his part, said, "Our cry is to the State and specifically President Ruto, who, before ascending to power, promised that abductions would be a thing of the past. We are surprised that under his rule, extrajudicial killings are happening, people are being abducted, and there are rampant cases of forced disappearance. Why is he allowing that to happen?”

Those who were abducted and later released are now undergoing counselling, with many still afraid to speak publicly about their ordeal.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamoud has urged all victims to come forward and record statements at his office to enable prompt police action.

The case was filed through lawyer Mwaura Wakabata of Alakonya & Associates, who says the petitioner was forcibly taken by men believed to be officers of the Inspectorate General of Police and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

According to court documents, the incident occurred on March 7, 2026, at around 7:40 pm along Mohammed Yusuf Haji Avenue (formerly 1st Avenue).

“My client was forcibly removed from his vehicle, registration KDJ 941F, by masked men who have since refused to reveal his location,” said Wakabata.