Live Python, Threats And Stolen Documents, Puzzle In The Murder Of Kilifi’s IEBC Official

A senior Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officer in Kilifi county was attacked and killed at her Utange home in Mombasa, in a bizarre incident that left residents in shock.

Two assailants are reported to have gained unauthorised access to the Utange residence of the officer Aisha Akinyi Abubakar, where they unleashed a brutal attack on her leaving her for the dead.

Her 18-year-old son, Khasim Hassan, also sustained injuries and is currently hospitalised in stable condition at Premier Hospital, Nyali.

In a bizarre twist to the mystery, the attackers allegedly left a live python outside Abubakar’s doorstep in the 3am attack.

A relative disclosed, under the condition of anonymity, that detectives removed the snake upon arrival at the scene. However, its significance and whereabouts remain unknown.

“We are still trying to understand why a snake was left at her doorstep and what it might symbolise,” the relative said.

Reports have surfaced that prior to the attack, Abubakar had received several threats shortly after her recent promotion to the county’s IEBC office.

Although she was yet to report the matter, she allegedly shared the information with her family.

According to family, the deceased had planned to report the threats today (Monday).

Mombasa Police Commander Peter Kimani confirmed that two individuals entered the house through a kitchen window early Sunday morning.

The attackers, one who was hooded with a mask and armed with a crowbar and another welding a knife, launched the vicious assault on the 48-year-old, leaving her with multiple stab wounds and deep cuts above her right eye.

They also took away several electronic items, including a television, mobile devices, and an iPad, before leaving.

Abubakar, who resided in Mombasa and worked in Kilifi, succumbed shortly after being rushed to hospital by her son Hassan, who is also recuperating at the facility.

Unclear motive

According to Kimani, when Hassan responded to his mother’s distress calls, he was also attacked by the robbers.

He suffered injuries on the head and was admitted at the Intensive Care Unit.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the incident was deliberate, although the motive is still unclear.

“This is a tragic event. Initial findings indicate that the victims were specifically targeted. We are pursuing multiple leads and working to uncover the full details,” Kimani stated.

Security in the area has been heightened, with additional officers deployed to assist in the ongoing investigations. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) homicide team is actively gathering evidence from the site.

Kimani expressed condolences to the bereaved family, assuring the public of a comprehensive investigation.

“We ask for patience and calm as detectives work diligently to resolve this matter. The family needs space to mourn, and we will provide detailed updates once our inquiries are complete,” he said.

The tragic passing of Aisha Akinyi Abubakar has left many seeking answers even as authorities continue to piece together the events leading to her demise.