The National Police Service (NPS) has clarified that Sadam Buke, a resident of Isiolo County, was apprehended by law enforcement officers rather than abducted, as earlier reports had suggested.
Initial claims indicated that Buke had been kidnapped by unknown individuals in Meru and forcibly taken away in a waiting vehicle.
However, police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga has since confirmed that Buke’s arrest was part of the ongoing ‘Operation Ondoa Jangili,’ a security campaign targeting illegal activities in Marsabit and Isiolo counties.
According to Nyaga, Buke is suspected of playing a role in enabling and coordinating the activities of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in these regions. The OLA is an Ethiopian militia group known for its involvement in illegal activities such as gun trafficking, human smuggling, illegal mining, and the trade of contraband goods.
Kenyan authorities have been conducting a crackdown on the group, suspecting that some of its members have been operating within Kenya’s borders.
In a statement, the NPS emphasized that Buke is in lawful custody alongside other suspects.
The statement read, “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.”
The police also reiterated their commitment to upholding constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms during their operations.
This clarification comes amid growing concerns over alleged human rights violations by law enforcement agencies, particularly in relation to the ongoing crackdown on criminal activities.
Human rights organizations have raised alarms over reports of abductions, claiming that over 82 young people have been kidnapped since the start of the Gen-Z demonstrations in June 2024.
These organizations have accused the police of violating human rights by detaining individuals without due process.
In response to these allegations, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has denied any involvement of the police service in the alleged abductions.
He stated that such accusations are intended to tarnish the reputation of the police and undermine their efforts to maintain law and order.
Kanja emphasized that the police are committed to conducting their operations within the framework of the law and respecting the rights of all citizens.
The situation has sparked a debate about the balance between security operations and the protection of human rights, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability from law enforcement agencies.
As the investigation into Buke’s activities continues, the NPS has urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with authorities to ensure the success of their efforts to combat illegal activities and maintain peace in the region.
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