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Twenty years have passed since the assassination of prominent politician and businessman Altynbek Sarsenbayev, yet the case remains shrouded in mystery and unanswered questions. Politician Bolat Abilev reflected on Sarsenbayev's life and death, highlighting the unresolved nature of the crime and its place in Kazakhstan's turbulent history.

A Pattern of Tragedy

Abilev noted a somber pattern in Kazakhstan, where significant and tragic events often occur during the late autumn and winter months. He recalled the unsolved murder of Zamanbek Nurkadilov in November 2005 and the tragic events of December, including the 1986 Jeltoqsan protests and the 2011 Zhanaozen massacre. The politician also pointed to the bloody events of January 2022 and the February 2006 assassination of Sarsenbayev, who was co-chairman of the Ak Zhol party, along with his assistant and driver.

The Lingering Question: Why?

Despite two decades passing since Sarsenbayev's death, the event feels as fresh as if it happened yesterday for many. The central question, "Why?" continues to haunt those who remember the politician and his contributions.

Fear and a President's Reaction

Abilev shared a striking anecdote suggesting Sarsenbayev's bold stance on the country's political situation may have played a role in his fate. According to Abilev, Sarsenbayev had gathered evidence indicating that Rakhat Aliyev, the father-in-law of then-President Nursultan Nazarbayev, was preparing to eliminate him. Sarsenbayev, along with Marat Tajin, reportedly presented this information to Nazarbayev.

The revelation allegedly caused Nazarbayev to become visibly distressed, even falling from his chair in fear. Sarsenbayev and Tajin assisted the president, who, in a state of shock, asked for guidance. Sarsenbayev then proposed arresting Aliyev and his associates, and removing them from power.

A Possible Motive

Abilev speculated that this confrontation might have contributed to Sarsenbayev's demise, as he had witnessed the president's vulnerability and fear. While acknowledging that other unknown reasons could exist, Abilev emphasized that Sarsenbayev was never a radical and did not advocate for violence or revolution. This leaves the motive behind his assassination unclear.

The perpetrators and masterminds behind this political assassination, a chilling secret in Kazakhstan's modern history, remain unpunished after 20 years. Abilev concluded that while the identity of those who benefited from eliminating a promising politician and political rival is understood, the investigation has not led to justice. Sarsenbayev's death is described as an irreplaceable national tragedy, and his absence has been deeply felt by the country over the past two decades.

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