Two Turkish nationals detained for 14 days after gun drama in road rage in Kilifi

Two Turkish nationals who were involved in a gun drama with a governor after a road accident in Kilifi were detained for 14 days pending investigations.

Officials said the two may be deported if there is evidence to suggest they are involved in criminal activities in the area.

Billionaire Elsek Osman and colleague Gokmen Sandikci appeared before a Mombasa court as the state sought to detain Osman for 15 days over alleged terrorism financing.

His lawyers denied the claims.

They were detained for 14 days from the day of their arrest, in a case where they are being investigated for terrorism financing in the country. The matter is set to be mentioned on January 27, 2026.

The two Turkish nationals were arrested over a gun drama incident involving Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi Jirr and his driver.

This followed a road rage drama.

They were arrested on January 12, 2026 evening in Kilifi County after one of them allegedly drew a gun before punching the governor and slapping his driver.

Jiir was not available for a comment. Witnesses said he was left shaken following the gun drama.

The incident happened at Kanamai area in Kilifi South on the Mombasa-Kilifi highway when a vehicle being driven by the Turk cut through a convoy of ODM leaders who were leaving Vipingo to Moi International Airport, Mombasa.

This was after the leaders had attended the Central Committee meeting.

In the incident the foreigners’ car hit that of the governor from behind, police and witnesses said.  As usual the drivers stopped the car to inspect the damage caused.

When the driver stepped out to inquire it led to a physical and dramatic road rage.

This was after one of the Turks allegedly drew a gun and slapped the driver in rage. It’s then that the Governor also stepped out of the car, only to be punched by the gun-wielding foreigner, police said.

Other cars in the convoy had stopped.

Some of the ODM leaders, who included a senior MP and a fellow governor who were in the convoy witnessed the tense incident that drew a crowd and lasted a couple of minutes, witnesses said.

The matter was reported to the police who swung into action arresting the foreigners in question.

Coast Regional Police boss Ali Nuno confirmed the two are in custody as investigations continue.

The suspects are 60 and 52 years old, respectively, he said adding appropriate action will follow once investigations are completed.

According to the police, the man who drew a gun is 60 years old and was arrested and charged with attempted murder in 2019 when he reportedly shot a villager who was among youths coming from a football tournament and allegedly blocked his way as he drove to his hotel near Mtwapa.

He stays in the area. It is not clear how he managed to get back his firearm license. He also has a pending case of assault over a land dispute in the same area, police revealed.

He is allegedly registered as a refugee in Kenya. Police say the man was issued with the gun in 2011.

The weapon was confiscated from him following the new drama pending further action.