Detectives in Garissa have arrested a 26-year-old man suspected of killing a U.S. national during a robbery in the county.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the suspect, identified as Muhiyadin Abdi Sheikh, was arrested on Sunday, October 4, after months of investigations.
The agency described Sheikh as the main suspect in the robbery and stabbing of U.S. national Osman Aweys Abdi.
“Detectives drawn from DCI Garissa have arrested 26-year-old Muhiyadin Abdi Sheikh, the main suspect in the fatal robbery and stabbing of US national Osman Aweys Abdi,” the DCI said.
The incident happened on May 28 near Abubeida School in Bulla Mzuri, about five kilometres north of Iftin Police Station.
According to the DCI, Abdi was attacked and stabbed in the left thigh before he was hit on the left side of the head with a blunt object. His mobile phone was also stolen.
A well-wisher who had obtained the victim’s phone number later contacted his brother, who rushed to the scene and found him in pain.
The brother brought him to Antalya Hospital but he died on arrival and his body later taken to Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
DCI stated that after the incident, the suspect fled the scene thus detectives had to embark on an intelligence-driven operation to locate him.
After several months of searching, detectives were able to locate him at a hideout in Kabete, Nairobi, and arrested him.
He has been charged at Kasarani Police Station while at the same time police expect him to be taken to Garissa where he will face murder charges.
The arrest follows security agencies’ attempts to handle incidents of robbery and youth-related crimes that have been experienced in some areas in Garissa.
According to the National Crime Research Centre, Garissa County has been listed as one of the counties that has experienced organised youth groups and their activities including robberies, extortions, and muggings.
The youth gangs include Squad Chafu and Gaza Family among others.
