The National Police Service (NPS) has dismissed claims that Sadam Buke, a resident of Isiolo, was abducted, clarifying that he was lawfully arrested and remains in custody.
According to police, Buke was apprehended on suspicion of being a key facilitator and coordinator of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in Isiolo and Marsabit counties.
“The attention of the National Police Service has been drawn to information circulating on social media alleging that one Sadam Buke from Isiolo Countya has been abducted. We wish to clarify that Buke is in lawful custody alongside others,” the NPS stated.
The police further explained that his arrest was part of Operation Ondoa Jangili, an ongoing multi-agency security operation aimed at dismantling OLA hideouts in the region.
“He was arrested during the ongoing mounted Operation Ondoa Jangili, being conducted in both Marsabit and Isiolo Counties,” the police added.
Residents of Isiolo had raised concerns on social media about Buke’s disappearance after witnesses reported that he was taken by unknown individuals from a restaurant in Isiolo. His whereabouts remained unclear until the police statement confirming his detention.
Buke and other unnamed suspects are expected to be arraigned in court.
The Oromo Liberation Army is an armed opposition group active in Ethiopia’s Oromia region. It consists of former armed members of the pre-peace deal Oromo Liberation Front, who refused to disarm, and former youth protesters disillusioned with nonviolent resistance.
Kenya and Ethiopia have accused the OLA of engaging in criminal activities in the region, prompting intensified security operations.
Buke’s arrest follows high-level discussions between President William Ruto and Ethiopia’s Director General of the National Intelligence Security Service, Redwan Hussien, held last month. Kenya’s Director General of the National Intelligence Service, Noordin Haji, was also present at the meeting.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on OLA activities in the country. The police urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies as efforts to restore stability in Isiolo and Marsabit continue.
