In a chilling turn of events, Hashim Dagane Muhumed, the prime suspect in the brutal murders of three women in Eastleigh, Nairobi, has been apprehended following a 12-day manhunt. The 24-year-old Ethiopian national is accused of murdering Amina Abdirashid, her aunt Waris Dahabo Daud, and her 12-year-old niece Nusayba Abdi Mohammed on October 21, 2024. Their bodies were discovered mutilated across various locations in Nairobi and Machakos, sparking public outrage and demands for justice.
Photos of Hashim Dagane Muhumed the prime.suspect of the brutal killings/photo courtesy/
Dagane, previously a police officer in Ethiopia, fled his home country after being implicated in the murder of his wife. Upon arriving in Kenya, he established a taxi business operating primarily in Eastleigh and Parklands. His background as a former law enforcement officer raises questions about how he evaded capture for so long while allegedly engaging in such heinous acts.
On the evening of October 21, the victims were reportedly abducted from their home in Eastleigh. CCTV footage later revealed Dagane driving a Nissan Note (Reg No. KDQ 718Y) that picked up the women shortly before they were reported missing. The following day, their bodies were found scattered across different locations: Bahati in Makadara, Khyumbi in Machakos, and 6th Avenue Parklands. Disturbingly, Waris’s hands had been severed, and all three victims showed signs of severe torture.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) launched an extensive manhunt after identifying Dagane as the prime suspect. He was finally cornered at a hideout in Kamukunji on November 3. Despite his attempts to mislead authorities by using multiple phone numbers and fake identification documents, investigators tracked him down through forensic evidence linked to the abandoned vehicle used during the abduction. The DCI had previously appealed to the public for information regarding Dagane’s whereabouts after releasing his image.
A post-mortem examination conducted by Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor confirmed that Amina died from a stab wound that punctured her heart, while Waris was strangled before her hands were amputated. The gruesome nature of these murders has sent shockwaves through the community and reignited discussions about gender-based violence in Kenya.
The arrest has prompted an outpouring of grief and anger from local residents who are demanding justice for the victims. Many have expressed their concerns over rising femicide rates in Kenya; recent statistics indicate that at least 97 femicide cases were reported within just three months. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for effective measures to combat gender-based violence.
Local leaders and activists are calling for enhanced protection for women and girls, urging law enforcement agencies to take more proactive steps to ensure their safety. “We cannot continue to live in fear,” said one community leader. “The justice system must work swiftly to ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts are held accountable.”
Following his arrest, Hashim Dagane is currently being held at DCI headquarters where he is undergoing interrogation. He is expected to be arraigned at Makadara Chief Magistrates Court on November 4. Investigators are working diligently to determine whether he acted alone or if others were involved in this horrific crime.
As the investigation unfolds, there are calls for more stringent laws to protect women from violence and ensure swift justice for victims’ families. The DCI has reiterated its commitment to pursuing justice for Amina, Waris, and Nusayba while encouraging anyone with further information related to the case to come forward.
The tragic deaths of these three women have not only highlighted issues surrounding safety but also raised critical questions about societal attitudes towards gender-based violence in Kenya. As communities mourn their loss, there is hope that this case will catalyze change and greater awareness around protecting vulnerable populations from similar fates in the future.