Police confirm arrest of Sadam Buke in ongoing Ondoa Jangili operation in Isiolo
His friends had claimed on social media that he was abducted on Thursday while swimming at Royal Acacia Park.
Police are holding one Sadam Buke from Isiolo County, on suspicion of being a key facilitator of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in his home county of Isiolo and the neighbouring Marsabit County.
This is contrary to claims that he had been abducted, a statement by Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyagah said on Friday.
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His friends had claimed on social media that he was abducted on Thursday while swimming at Royal Acacia Park, a claim the spokesperson refuted saying he was arrested alongside others as part of the ongoing Operation Ondoa Jangili and ahead of his arraignment in court.
“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 both in Isiolo and Marsabit counties,” the police spokesperson said.
The operation kicked off earlier this week in the two counties, particularly in the Sololo, Moyale, North Horr, and Merti sub-counties and their environs, following reports that the OLA is behind a series of cross-border criminal activities in the area.
OLA is an armed rebel group based in the southern part of Ethiopia, known as the Oromia region. This region shares a border with Kenya.
“Notably, the activities of the Oromo Liberation Army include trafficking illegal arms and narcotics, human trafficking, dealing in contraband goods, conducting cross-border incursions, illegal mining, instigating tribal conflicts, and kidnapping for ransom that pose a serious threat to Kenya’s national security,” Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said in a statement.
According to NPS, the militia group has been taking advantage of close family and cultural ties between the Borana of Kenya and the Oromo of Ethiopia to infiltrate and hide among the populations in Marsabit and Isiolo counties and continue to commit atrocities causing untold suffering to communities living along the Kenya-Ethiopia border who have endured intimidation, forceful takeover of property, and sexual assault amongst women and girls.
The first phase of the multi-agency operation recovered weapons and ammunition, walkie-talkies camera stands, and bhang amongst other assorted items which the police said were used by the group in their illegal activities.
Though the operation officially began on Monday, intense security activities targeting the militia in the region started on January 3 this year.
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