MOMBASA, Kenya — A Mombasa court has ordered the detention of two Turkish nationals for 14 days pending investigations into alleged terrorism financing and a violent road rage incident involving Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi Jirr in Kilifi County.
The suspects, identified as billionaire Elsek Osman, 60, and his associate Gokmen Sandikci, 52, appeared before the court on Thursday after the State sought more time to investigate Osman over alleged links to terrorism financing.
Prosecutors said the investigations could also lead to deportation if criminal involvement is established.
The court granted the request, ordering that the two be held for 14 days from the date of their arrest. The matter is scheduled for mention on January 27, 2026.
The two were arrested on the evening of January 12, 2026, following a dramatic road rage incident in the Kanamai area of Kilifi South, along the Mombasa–Kilifi highway.
The incident reportedly involved a convoy of ODM leaders, including Governor Jirr, who were travelling to Moi International Airport after attending an ODM Central Committee meeting in Vipingo.
According to police and eyewitnesses, the Turkish nationals’ vehicle rammed into the governor’s official car from behind after allegedly cutting through the convoy. When the vehicles stopped to assess the damage, a confrontation ensued.
Police said one of the suspects allegedly drew a firearm, slapped the governor’s driver, and later punched Governor Jirr when he stepped out of his vehicle. Witnesses said the incident lasted several minutes, attracted a crowd, and left the governor visibly shaken.
Governor Jirr was not immediately available for comment.
Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno confirmed that the two suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
“They are aged 60 and 52 respectively. Appropriate action will be taken once investigations are complete,” Nuno said.
Police further revealed that the suspect alleged to have brandished the firearm, has a criminal history in Kenya. He was previously charged with attempted murder in 2019 after allegedly shooting a villager near Mtwapa. He also has a pending assault case linked to a land dispute in the same area.
Investigators said the suspect is allegedly registered as a refugee in Kenya and was issued a firearm licence in 2011. Police noted that it remains unclear how he regained possession of the weapon, which has since been confiscated following the latest incident.
Authorities said the case has taken on added gravity due to allegations of terrorism financing, prompting multi-agency investigations involving security and immigration authorities.
