City Affairs

Governor Sakaja aide Osman Khalif whereabouts still unknown following alleged abduction

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By City Correspondent | Sunday, November 12, 2023

Osman Khalif was allegedly taken by individuals armed with pistols and driving a double-cabin vehicle.

A key aide and liaison for Nairobi City County Governor Johnson Sakaja was reportedly abducted by five unidentified individuals outside one of Nairobi's major malls on Friday evening.

Osman Khalif, the immediate former South C Ward MCA, was allegedly taken by individuals armed with pistols and driving a double-cabin vehicle with registration number KCT 163H in the presence of his wife.

His family reported the incident at the Parklands Police Station, but a day later, they said they had received no information from the authorities on his whereabouts.

"As he was leaving the mall with his wife, unknown armed abducted men took him from the parking outside Sarit Centre. We have no information on his whereabouts. Immediately the wife called us and informed us about the situation of what happened," Yasin Khalif, Osman's brother told the media.

"After my sister-in-law called me yesterday, we came and reported the matter to Parklands Police Station, and 24 hours later, no one has spoken to us."

He added that the vehicle Osman was driving was found parked at the police station with no explanation of how it got there.

Appeal for help

Yasin appealed to the government for assistance in locating his missing brother, emphasizing that they had no information about Osman's whereabouts.

Yasmin Osman (centre), wife of Osman Abdi Khalif, briefing the media at Parklands Police Station on 11 November 2023, where she had gone to report her husband's disappearance. (Photo: NMG)

Yassin Khalif expressed concern about how the police officers at Parklands police station were handling the case.

“Abduction or reported missing person requires immediate and intensive action from the police and as we speak they are yet to share any information,” Yasin said.

He said when they went back to the station to inquire about the police findings, they were told the officers handling the case were in Isiolo for official duties.

According to Yasin the family members are traumatized by his disappearance and the apparent police laxity.

The family is now requesting the government to reveal whether a law enforcement agency was involved in the incident and is also seeking more information on Osman's whereabouts.

The family indicated that Governor Johnson Sakaja was aware of the situation but was currently out of the country in Morocco.

Yasmin Osman, Osman's wife said the incident had deeply shocked the family.

The family, represented by lawyer Oringe Waswa, announced plans were underway to file an urgent habeas corpus application to compel the Inspector General of Police to produce Osman in court on Tuesday.

Additionally, they intend to seek a court order to obtain surveillance footage from Sarit Centre where Osman was reportedly abducted.

"We will seek a court order to have them produce footage of his abduction," Waswa stated.

Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei said he was unaware of the situation.

Osman Khalif Abdi served as the MCA for South C ward from 2017 until his defeat in last year's General Election.