A family in Garissa County is demanding justice following the brutal killing of their 25-year-old son, Osman Aweis, who was attacked by a gang while visiting relatives in the area.
Osman, an American citizen of Somali descent, had traveled from the United States when he was attacked in broad daylight in Bula Mzuri village.
According to relatives and eyewitness accounts, he was confronted by a group of young men who attempted to snatch his mobile phone.
The family says Osman resisted the robbery and pleaded for help, but the situation quickly turned violent.
One of the attackers stabbed him in the thigh before the gang fled, leaving him seriously injured by the roadside.
A taxi driver later rushed him to Garissa County Referral Hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.
His death has triggered outrage among residents and leaders, with the family accusing authorities of moving slowly despite being given key details about the suspects.
Garissa Attacks Intensify
Osman’s killing has once again brought focus to growing insecurity in parts of Garissa, particularly in Bula Mzuri, which residents describe as a hotspot for criminal gangs.
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According to the family, the suspect behind the attack is well known in the area, and crucial information, including his identity, photo, phone number, and even social media accounts, has already been shared with authorities.
Despite this, they claim no arrests have been made, raising concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement and the response to such crimes.
“Osman cried out for help as the gang attacked him, but no one came to his rescue amid fear of the assailants. It is really disappointing,” said Abdirashid Omar, Osman’s family member.
Locals say criminal gangs, mostly made up of young men, continue to terrorize residents through robberies and violent attacks.
These groups often operate in broad daylight, targeting pedestrians and boda boda riders, and are usually armed with knives and other crude weapons.
Residents also say fear has become widespread, with many now avoiding certain streets and limiting their movements, especially in the evening hours.
Some allege that cries for help during attacks often go unanswered due to fear of reprisals.
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The killing mirrors previous incidents in the area, where what begins as a simple robbery escalates into deadly violence, particularly when victims resist.
Calls for Justice
Osman’s family is now calling on the government to take the matter seriously and ensure those behind the attack are arrested and prosecuted.
They say they have already reported the incident to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the police and have even provided eyewitness accounts to support investigations.
However, the lack of swift action has left them frustrated and grieving, as they continue to seek answers over the loss of their son.
The case has also drawn attention due to Osman’s status as a U.S. citizen, raising expectations for a transparent and thorough investigation.
Security concerns in Garissa have been on the rise, with both residents and leaders warning that failure to act decisively against gangs could lead to more deaths.
Bula Mzuri has previously been identified as a hotspot for youth-led gang violence, with similar attacks reported in recent months
According to police, gangs in Garissa often consist of young men operating in small, coordinated groups, targeting pedestrians and boda boda riders.
In many cases, these gangs are armed with knives and crude weapons, making robberies highly dangerous.
Garissa residents say fear of retaliation has made many people hesitant to intervene or testify during attacks.
Some locals also accuse weak enforcement and community-level conflict resolution practices of undermining formal justice processes.
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