The National Police Service has issued a clarification on the alleged abduction of Sadam Buke, a Kenyan youth leader from Isiolo.
NPS in a statement on Friday, February 7 issued a clarification following reports circulating on social media alleging that Buke had been abducted.
The youth leader, known by his moniker as” Kude” was reportedly picked up by unknown people from Acacia Hotel in the outskirts of Isiolo town on Thursday evening.
However, NPS said that Buke is in lawful custody alongside others over suspicion of being a key facilitator and coordinator of Oromo Liberation Army in both Isiolo and Marsabit Counties.
National Police Service clarifies abducting Sadam Buke
In a statement by the police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga on behalf of the IG, Kanja said Buke was a wanted man.
“The attention of the National Police Service has been drawn to information circulating on social media alleging that one Sadam Buke from Isiolo County has been abducted.”
He added, “We wish to clarify that Sadam Buke is in lawful custody alongside others. He is suspected of being a key facilitator and coordinator of Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in both Isiolo and Marsabit Counties.”
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According to the police, Buke was arrested during the ongoing mounted ‘Operation Ondoa Jangili‘.
The Ministry of Interior launched the security operation in Marsabit and Isiolo Counties.
Following Buke’s arrest, the police said that he would have his day in court.
“He and others are expected to be arraigned in court. We reiterate our commitment to comply with constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
Operation Ondoa Jangili was launched on Monday to dismantle and disrupt Oromo Liberation Army’s operations and enhance security in the region.
On Tuesday, a multi-agency security team raided some of the militia’s hideouts in Sololo and Merti, with the security operation leading to the recovery of several items.
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Operation Ondoa Jangili
NPS in a statement said that items recovered during the operation included weapons and ammunition, walkie-talkies, camera stands, a solar panel, a generator, marijuana and other items believed to be used by the militia in carrying out their illegal activities.
“The Militia group has taken advantage of close family and cultural ties between the Borana of Kenya and Oromo of Ethiopia to infiltrate and hide amongst the population and continue committing atrocities causing untold suffering,” said NPS.
The Police Service added, “These recoveries mark the beginning of sustained efforts to eliminate criminals from the areas and affirming NPS’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, fostering a secure environment for the local communities.”
Classified as a “terrorist organisation” by Ethiopia, the OLA, an armed insurgent movement from the Oromia region, has been fighting the Ethiopian government since 2018, after splitting from the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) when it renounced armed struggle.
Since the OLA broke off from the OLF and started fighting, a string of armed groups has risen up in Oromia claiming to be part of its cause, although they are only loosely tied.
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