Nasteh Dahir Farah (in Somali language: Nasteex Daahir Faarax) was assassinated by two men armed with pistols in Fanole village of Kismayo district on Saturday, 7th June 2008. He was returning home, when killers, who were following him, called his name and as he turned, the hooded attackers started shoot him in the chest and stomach, leaving him dead.

Bullets mutilated his stomach and chest, according to his wife and doctor. The assailants escaped while his neighbours rushed him to the hospital.

Approximately 10 minutes after when he was admitted, medical staff declared Nasteh Dahir Farah dead due to heavy blood loss. So far the killers have not been identified and no arrests have been made. Kismayo is the third main city of Somalia. It is controlled by clan militias and armed groups loyal to the Union of Islamic Courts.

Hundreds of well-wishers of family members, journalists, intellectuals, clan elders, politicians, civil society members and religious leaders turned out to pay their last respects to the renowned journalist. All speakers at the funeral called for justice.

They spoke about late journalist’s performance and his personal and professional neutrality in the armed political conflict. The media in Kismayo was shut down to mark his funeral.

Nasteh Dahir Farah, who was born on 18 October 1980 in Abudwak district, left a wife and son. Nasteh’s wife Idil Abdi Ahmed is six months pregnant. His son Mohammed-Deq Nasteh Dahir Farah is 10-months old. Nasteh’s father died in Abudwak in February 2008. His mother Asili Farah Nur lives in Abudwak with Nasteh’s brothers and sisters of more than 15.

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