Yusuf Ahmed Swaleh, also known as Candy Rain or Kandereni, purportedly the inheritor of the infamous Akasha drug syndicate along Kenya’s Coast, has died in mysterious circumstances after being picked by police for questioning.
Swaleh’s lifeless body was discovered in Kiruwitu near Vipingo, Kilifi, on Sunday, following his alleged abduction nine days earlier by individuals purporting to be law enforcement officers.
His lawyer, Jared Magolo, has said that Swaleh was executed shortly after being taken into custody.
“Yes. They killed him. His body was found in Kilifi. He was arrested on Friday, nine days ago,” stated Mr. Magolo.
At the time of his demise, Swaleh, a notorious drug trafficker who had evaded incarceration despite numerous criminal charges, was embroiled in legal battles linked to a multi-million-shilling drug trafficking and money laundering network along the Coast.
In October 2017, Swaleh and his wife, Asmah Abdalla, faced charges of possessing one kilogram of narcotics at their Kikambala residence. Despite their arrest, the couple was released on bail.
Earlier that year, the duo had been accused of trafficking 15 kilograms of heroin valued at Sh47 million. Prosecutor Jami Yamin described Swaleh as a prominent trafficker with an extensive network, highlighting the detrimental impact of his activities on Mombasa residents.
Despite opposition, Swaleh was granted bail, leading to concerns about potential interference with ongoing investigations.
In 2010, Swaleh received a 25-year sentence for trafficking five kilograms of heroin, a conviction later overturned due to insufficient evidence. Despite subsequent drug trafficking charges in 2011 and 2013, Swaleh emerged victorious in court.
Swaleh was first arrested in 1996 when he was initially sentenced to 15 years for heroin trafficking. His early release in 1999 under dubious circumstances led to public outcry and a subsequent overhaul of the prison system.
His financial activities, including ownership of luxury vehicles and properties has over the years, particularly as tax records failed to reflect legitimate business income.