Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a 26-year-old man suspected of killing United States citizen Osman Aweys Abdi during a robbery in Garissa County.
The suspect, Muhiyadin Abdi Sheikh, was arrested in Kabete, Nairobi, after DCI detectives from Garissa mounted an intelligence-led operation to trace him following the May 28 killing.
The arrest comes more than four months after Osman was attacked near Abubeida School in Bulla Mzuri, about five kilometres north of Iftin Police Station.
According to the DCI, Osman sustained a stab wound to his left thigh and was struck with a blunt object on the left side of his head during the attack. His mobile phone was also stolen.
The victim was later identified in police reports as a Somali male adult and a United States citizen. Initial reports indicated that the incident was treated as a suspected robbery after Osman was found with fatal stab and head injuries near the school.
On the day of the incident, Osman's brother was alerted by a well-wisher who had obtained his telephone number from the victim.
He rushed to the scene and found Osman in pain before taking him to Antalya Hospital in Garissa. However, the victim was pronounced dead on arrival.
His body was subsequently transferred to Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital pending a postmortem examination as detectives began investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The DCI said Muhiyadin went into hiding after the incident, prompting detectives to intensify efforts to establish his whereabouts.
After several months of pursuing leads, the investigators eventually traced him to a hideout in Kabete, Nairobi, where he was arrested.
The suspect is currently being held at Kasarani Police Station and is expected to be escorted to Garissa, where he will face murder charges.
The DCI did not disclose whether other suspects were being pursued in connection with the killing.
Earlier reports following the incident said the killing had heightened concerns over insecurity in Garissa, where residents had raised alarm over robberies and violent attacks. However, the circumstances surrounding Osman's death remain subject to the ongoing criminal investigation and court process.
The DCI used the arrest to warn suspects who attempt to evade law enforcement by going into hiding, saying investigators would continue pursuing them regardless of how long the process takes.
“Going into hiding may buy a suspect time—but it does not buy freedom,” the agency stated, adding “Our detectives will pursue every lead, follow every trail and uncover every hideout until those sought are brought before the law.”
The agency added: “There is no sanctuary for criminals. The DCI does not forget, and no matter how long it takes, justice will find you.”
The arrest marks a major development in a case that began with Osman's fatal attack in Garissa in May. Police had initially been left pursuing the suspect after he allegedly disappeared from the area following the incident.
Osman's killing had also attracted attention because he was a US citizen and because the attack occurred in broad daylight near Abubeida School. Early police reporting said his brother was directed to the scene after receiving a call from a woman who had obtained his number from Osman.
With Muhiyadin now in custody, detectives are expected to continue with the investigation before the suspect is presented in court to face the murder charge.
The DCI has not indicated the outcome of the postmortem or provided further details on the motive beyond the alleged robbery during which Osman was attacked.
