The National Police Service (NPS) has denied reports of abducting Sadam Buke, alias Duke, a youth leader from Isiolo County.
In a statement sent by spokesperson Muchiri Njaga on IG Douglas Kanja’s behalf this Friday, February 7, 2025, the Police clarified that the said person is in lawful custody following his arrest on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
The law enforcers say Buke was arrested during an operation meant to root out criminals which was conducted in both Marsabit and Isiolo counties.
The police have further revealed that Buke will be presented in court for his links to an unlawful organization operating within the region.
Lawful custody
“We wish to clarify that Sadam Buke is in lawful custody alongside others. He is suspected of being a key facilitator and coordinator of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in both Isiolo and Marsabit Counties. He was arrested during the ongoing mounted ‘Operation Ondoa Jangili’, being conducted in both Marsabit and Isiolo Counties. He and others are expected to be arraigned in court,” the police statement read.
The police have additionally relayed their commitment to adhere to constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms while undertaking their responsibility of maintaining law and order.
Upholding freedom
“We reiterate our commitment to comply with constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms,” the police statement concluded.
Reports claimed that Buke was picked up by unknown people from a hotel on the outskirts of Isiolo town at around 5:00 pm on Thursday evening.
His disappearance, coinciding with President William Ruto’s visit to the larger North Eastern frontier, sparked fear among close friends and the public.
Special operation
The National Police Service on February 3, 2025, officially launched a special security operation dubbed ‘Operation Ondoa Jangili’ to flush out hideouts used by the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) within Marsabit and Isiolo counties.
Deputy Inspector General Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli and DCI Director Mohamed Amin launched the operation intended to flush out criminals conducting illegal operations that pose a serious threat to Kenyan national security.
According to the police, the operation also targeted other criminal activities prevalent across the region like the sale of arms, drug and human trafficking, illegal mining, instigating tribal conflicts and kidnapping for ransom especially in Sololo, Moyale, North Horr, and Merti Sub-counties.
In his address, Masengeli assured the local communities in the aforementioned areas of their security while also appealing to them to remain calm and cooperate with the security teams on the ground.
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