Turkish Billionaire Arrested in Kenya After Violent Road Rage Attack on Governor – Terror Financing Probe Launched
Two Turkish nationals have been ordered held in custody for 14 days by a Mombasa court following a violent road rage incident involving Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi Jirr, as authorities continue investigations into alleged links to terrorism financing.
The suspects, identified as billionaire Elsek Osman, 60, and his associate Gokmen Sandikci, 52, appeared in court on Thursday after the State requested additional time to investigate Osman’s alleged financial connections to terrorist activities. Prosecutors indicated that the probe could ultimately result in deportation if any criminal involvement is confirmed.
The court granted the request, ordering that both suspects remain in detention from the date of their arrest on January 12, 2026. The matter is scheduled for mention on January 27.
The arrest followed a dramatic confrontation on the Mombasa–Kilifi highway in the Kanamai area, which reportedly involved a convoy of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders, including Governor Jirr, who were en route to Moi International Airport after attending a party Central Committee meeting in Vipingo.
According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, Osman and Sandikci’s vehicle allegedly rammed into the governor’s official car from behind after cutting through the convoy. When the vehicles stopped to assess the damage, a violent altercation ensued.
“One of the suspects reportedly drew a firearm, slapped the governor’s driver, and later punched Governor Jirr when he stepped out of his vehicle,” police sources said. Witnesses described a chaotic scene that lasted several minutes and drew a crowd, leaving the governor visibly shaken.
Governor Jirr was unavailable for comment.
Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno confirmed that both suspects remain in custody while investigations continue.
“They are aged 60 and 52 respectively. Appropriate action will be taken once investigations are complete,” Nuno said.
Police revealed that Osman, the suspect alleged to have brandished the firearm, has a criminal record in Kenya. He was previously charged with attempted murder in 2019 for allegedly shooting a villager near Mtwapa and has a pending assault case connected to a land dispute in the same area. Investigators said he is registered as a refugee in Kenya and was issued a firearm licence in 2011, though it remains unclear how he regained possession of the weapon, which has now been confiscated.
Authorities emphasized that the case has escalated due to the alleged terrorism financing connections, prompting a multi-agency investigation involving security and immigration officials.
“The investigations are ongoing, and we are working closely with all relevant agencies,” a senior police official said.
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Turkish Billionaire Arrested in Kenya After Violent Road Rage Attack on Governor – Terror Financing Probe Launched