Two Turkish citizens have been detained for two weeks under investigation for alleged terrorism links following a road altercation with ODM party politicians. The incident occurred on Monday after the politicians left a party meeting in Kilifi, leading to their court appearance in Mombasa. Police claim ties to terrorism financing, though one detainee denies the accusations.
Two Turkish nationals, businessman Osman Erdinc Elsek and his associate Gokmen Sandikci, were arrested on Monday in Mtwapa, Kilifi County, following a roadside clash with ODM politicians. The confrontation happened as the politicians returned from a National Executive Committee meeting in Kilifi. They were taken to Nyali Police Station and appeared in Mombasa court on Wednesday, where prosecutors presented details from the ATPU Coast unit under officer Hassan Sugal. Sugal stated that ATPU had received credible intelligence linking them to domestic terrorism financing and was already tracking them before the arrest. Sandikci lacked any identification, while Elsek possessed a Kenyan refugee certificate. Additionally, Sandikci was found with a Glock pistol loaded with 15 rounds, seized by DCI Nyali. Authorities are also probing them for unlawful firearm use. The investigation continues, covering financial records, phone data, and their residences to prevent flight. The court approved a 14-day detention at ATPU Mombasa. Elsek rejected the claims, describing it as a road accident on the Mombasa-Malindi highway while driving legally from Vipingo to Kikambala. 'A car came from behind at high speed, overtook recklessly and hit my vehicle without stopping,' Elsek said in his statement. He pursued and forced the vehicle to stop, after which two occupants alighted and fought him, attempting to strike with a weapon. He identified one as Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, with other vehicles as his convoy. Elsek reported being beaten and injured, denying any flight risk.
