(9 January 2026 | Source: Centralmedia24.kz)
The name of the former mayor of Shymkent Gabidulla Abdrakhimov has reappeared in the public sphere — this time in the corporate sector. He was introduced as the deputy chairman of the board of JSC "Samruk-Kazyna Construction" during a working visit to an energy infrastructure facility.
This has once again drawn attention to the figure of the former official, who had previously been mentioned numerous times in the media in connection with high-profile public incidents.
HOW THE APPOINTMENT BECAME KNOWN
Details of Abdrakhimov's new position appeared in a publication by LLP "CGT Turkistan", dedicated to a visit by the management of JSC "Samruk-Kazyna Construction" to the construction site of a combined-cycle gas turbine power plant with a capacity of 1000 MW, reports Centralmedia24.kz.
In the article, he was introduced as the company's deputy chairman of the board for operational activities. During the visit, Abdrakhimov and the deputy chairman of the board, Aman Asanov, assessed the pace of the project's implementation and compliance with the work schedule.
The company reported that the management representatives inspected the facility and observed the movement of a gas turbine generator using a large-capacity crane. Contractors were instructed to speed up the work while strictly adhering to international safety standards.
DATE AND STATUS OF THE APPOINTMENT
Kazakh media, citing information from the company's press service, reported that Gabidulla Abdrakhimov assumed the position on 29 December 2025. At the same time, the publications noted that his appointment does not involve joining the board of directors of Samruk-Kazyna Construction.
ABDRAKHIMOV'S CAREER IN THE CIVIL SERVICE
Gabidulla Abdrakhimov served as mayor of Shymkent twice:
- from August 2015 to October 2017;
- from June 2018 to 30 July 2019.
It is reported that he was dismissed from his post following a controversial video recorded in London and posted on social media. In the video, the official discussed the need to work and live in Kazakhstan, while he was abroad. After this, according to the official wording, he "had exhausted his political credit".
PUBLIC INCIDENTS AFTER LEAVING OFFICE
Following his resignation, Abdrakhimov was repeatedly mentioned in the media in connection with various controversial situations.
In September 2023, the publication Press.kz reported on posts on his social media page, where, according to the editors, he responded harshly to users. The article included screenshots of the relevant comments, which were no longer present on Abdrakhimov's page at the time of publication.
The article noted that he later explained his behaviour as a reaction to the discussion of past public incidents. No official statements from law enforcement agencies regarding this matter were reported.
In 2022–2023, open sources mentioned an investigation based on a complaint from businessman Saibdulla Kozhabayev, in which Abdrakhimov was named as a party to a dispute regarding alleged damages.
Also discussed in the public domain were his conflicts with law enforcement agencies and controversial statements on social media. Abdrakhimov himself denied the accusations and public claims made against him.