MOMBASA County-Jan 15, 2026-A Mombasa court has ordered Turkish billionaire Elsek Osman and his associate Gokmen Sandikci to be detained for 14 days as investigations continue into allegations of terror financing.
Senior Resident Magistrate David Odhiambo, ruled that the case is sensitive, noting that it touches on national security.
The magistrate said the State had presented substantial evidence under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) to warrant the detention of the two suspects.
Magistrate Odhiambo further directed that the suspects be accorded medical attention whenever necessary and be allowed to communicate with their lawyers before being returned to court on January 27, 2026.
Osman, a Turkish national and registered refugee, was arrested on January 13 in Mtwapa, Kilifi County, following a road rage incident involving his V8 vehicle and a convoy transporting the Wajir Governor alongside a senior Kilifi County official.
His lawyers, led by Senior Counsel John Khaminwa and Cliff Ombeta, told the court that their client faces serious terror financing allegations despite having lived in Kenya as a refugee for over 20 years.
Khaminwa informed the court that Osman has investments estimated at Sh6 billion in Kenya and sponsors the education of more than 300 students.
It was further disclosed that Osman sought refuge in Kenya after falling out with the Turkish government, forcing him to flee his home country.
