A family in Bula Mzuri village, Garissa County, is in anguish after their son, 35-year-old Mohammed Ahmed Nur, was abducted on Friday morning by individuals believed to be security officers. The incident occurred under mysterious circumstances, with the abductors reportedly jumping over a barbed-wire fence before forcibly entering the home and whisking Mohammed away in a Toyota Land Cruiser.
According to witnesses, the men claimed to be police officers but did not present any identification or warrant. Their initial attempt to enter the house through the front door was unsuccessful, prompting them to scale the fence to gain entry. Once inside, they forcibly took Mohammed, who had recently returned to the village after spending a few days tending to livestock. His family said he had been unwell and was not involved in any suspicious activities.
The sudden and unexplained nature of the abduction has sparked outrage among relatives and neighbors, who are now demanding answers from the police and other security agencies. “He hadn’t even been in Garissa long. He was here for just four days. He came back while sick. Then government forces showed up and took him. Up to now, we don’t know where he is or what he did wrong,” one of his relatives said. Another neighbor echoed the sentiments, saying, “They claim it’s not an abduction. Then let them bring him back. If he did something wrong, take him to court.”
The incident has deepened fears among local residents, who are increasingly worried about the growing trend of forced disappearances in the region. Many feel unsafe and are questioning the role of law enforcement, especially when such operations are carried out without transparency or due process.
This case comes in the wake of heightened security alerts announced by national authorities. The Interior Ministry recently stated that security forces are on high alert following a surge in militant attacks in northern Kenya and Lamu County. However, the timing of Mohammed’s disappearance has raised concerns that such alerts may be leading to aggressive crackdowns on innocent civilians, particularly in areas historically affected by security operations.
Local human rights defenders have also condemned the abduction, expressing alarm at what they describe as a disturbing increase in such incidents. They argue that the government’s public promises to uphold human rights and end enforced disappearances ring hollow in light of recent events. Activists are urging authorities to adhere to legal procedures, ensure accountability, and immediately disclose the whereabouts of Mohammed Nur.
The family, meanwhile, is left in a state of limbo, struggling to cope with the uncertainty and fear that has engulfed their lives. They have called on the government to come clean about the operation and to assure them of Mohammed’s safety. As community members rally in solidarity, the incident is fast becoming a rallying point for wider demands for justice, transparency, and respect for human rights in the region.
With growing public pressure and concern, the incident highlights the urgent need for a clear and lawful framework for all security operations, especially in vulnerable communities. The family’s plea remains simple but powerful: if Mohammed has done something wrong, let him be brought before a court of law. If not, he should be returned safely to his loved ones without delay.
