In a surprising turn of events, the family of missing Dela Ward MCA Yusuf Ahmed has informed a Nairobi court that the body previously believed to be that of their loved one does not match their son’s DNA.
Family lawyer Danstan Omari, along with LSK President Faith Odhiambo, told the High Court that a private DNA test conducted by a doctor from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) had confirmed that the DNA of the recovered body did not match that of Ahmed’s family.
The state, however, responded by saying that their official report from the government pathologist was not yet ready and requested an additional two days to present the findings from the Government Chemist. They also argued that the private autopsy report submitted by the family should not be admitted into court.
Omari, speaking on behalf of the family, expressed frustration at the state’s request, arguing that two extra days was an insensitive delay given the emotional toll on the family. He noted that the state had the resources to expedite the postmortem report within a much shorter time frame.
Justice Alexander Muteti, ruling on the state’s application for more time, criticized the lack of clarity regarding the delays. He noted that the state had failed to provide specific reasons why the government pathologist’s report had not been completed.
“We have not been told what difficulties the chief government pathologist has encountered, thus the request for more time seems based on estimation rather than facts,” Justice Muteti said.
Acknowledging the seriousness of the case and the prolonged period of uncertainty for the family, Justice Muteti ruled that the matter would proceed the following day, with or without the government’s report.
“The request for two days is not reasonable and is hereby rejected,” he concluded.
Yusuf Ahmed, the MCA for Dela Ward in Wajir County, was abducted on the night of September 13, 2024, while en route to South B estate in Nairobi. The case has captured national attention, with the latest twist deepening the mystery surrounding his disappearance.
