Wednesday September 15, 2021
A section of Thika superhighway Image: FILE/ The Star KE
Nairobi (HOL) - A senior cop of Somali origin was abducted by unknown assailants along the busy Thika Super Highway on Monday, according to the officer's family.
The family of Osman Godana, a Senior Police Sergeant, alleged that he was captured and abducted at Blue Post, which is located along Thika Road.
Omar Dida, father to the officer on Wednesday, September 14, told Hiiran Online that his son was abducted on the same day he had left his native home in Laisamis, Marsabit County.
"The Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Dr. Fred Matiang'I should explain what happened and ensure that the officer is produced," said Dida.
The officer left his home at 5 pm and was headed to Nairobi but was abducted four hours later when he arrived in Thika.
According to Dida, a black vehicle overtook the officer's car and instantly stopped ahead of his car.
"We have been informed that four men jumped out of the black vehicle which resembled a Toyota Noah," he said.
The incident saw the senior cop apply emergency brakes to avoid hitting the motor vehicle.
Before he could make any decision, four men jumped out of the black vehicle and went towards his car before ordering him to step out.
Dida said that he suspects the four were fellow police officers since witnesses told the daily that they donned bulletproof vests and were all carrying firearms.
"We were told they were armed and did not shy from carrying their firearms as some members of the public watched in dismay," he said.
He said that his son was asked to raise his hands which he duly complied.
Godana was then bundled into the black vehicle, which quickly drove off towards Nairobi city.
He said that his son was an officer at Laisamis police station and did not have any issues with anyone.
"I have never heard him say that anyone has threatened him, so we are worried why the four abducted him," said his father.
The incident comes as yet another Somali national, Abdiwahab Sheikh Abdisamad, was abducted within Kenya's capital Nairobi.
The abduction attracted public outcry, with Somali leaders in Kenya threatening to take action against Dr. Matiang'I, Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss George Kinoti.
Experts have noted the similarities in the two most recent abduction cases to Somali-American businessman Bashir Mohamed Mohamud. He was abducted while leaving Miale Lounge in Lavington; his body was dumped in Kerugoya, located 127 kilometres north of Nairobi.
Mohamud's car was also found burnt beyond recognition in Kibiku forest Kajiado County.