Mandera North Member of Parliament, Bashir Abdullahi, is facing intense criticism following his controversial remarks in the wake of a deadly attack in Mandera County. In response to the incident, where four individuals lost their lives and several others sustained injuries due to a suspected Al-Shabaab ambush, Abdullahi stated, “We sympathise and move on.”
The statement has ignited a firestorm on social media nationwide. Citizens, civil society groups, and fellow politicians have condemned the MP’s comments as insensitive and dismissive of the victims’ plight. Human rights organizations have called for a formal apology and urged leaders to exercise empathy and responsibility in their public communications.
In an attempt to quell the backlash, Abdullahi clarified that his remarks were taken out of context, emphasizing that his intent was to highlight the need for resilience in the face of ongoing security challenges. He asserted that his words were not meant to undermine the gravity of the situation or the suffering of the victims’ families.
However, the MP’s recent actions have further fueled public discontent. A Mandera North blogger, Quraish Habasho, was reportedly detained after criticizing Abdullahi on social media. Habasho claims his arrest was politically motivated, aimed at silencing dissenting voices.
He alleges that the arrest stemmed from a WhatsApp post criticizing the MP’s involvement in a controversial land deal, which had already been rejected by local leaders and communities.
Adding to the controversy, Abdullahi was among 11 Kenyan MPs who undertook an unapproved trip to Mogadishu, Somalia, where they met with President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo. The MPs claimed the visit was a “security mission” to address cross-border threats.
However, the Kenyan government expressed concern over the unauthorized nature of the trip, suggesting potential breaches of protocol and national security risks. The MPs were briefly detained upon their return and may face further investigations.
Mandera County continues to grapple with escalating insecurity. Recent attacks, including the ambush that prompted Abdullahi’s controversial remarks, have left residents in fear and mourning.
The region has witnessed a surge in Al-Shabaab activities, with militants targeting both security personnel and civilians. The withdrawal of Kenyan forces from Somalia has been cited as a contributing factor to the resurgence of terror incidents in the area.
