The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenya has arrested a 26-year-old man, Muhiyadin Abdi Sheikh, in connection with the fatal stabbing of US national Osman Aweys Abdi in Garissa. The arrest was made on October 4, after a months-long manhunt by DCI Garissa detectives. Muhiyadin is currently being held at Kasarani Police Station pending transfer to Garissa, where he will face murder charges.
The incident occurred on May 28, 2026, when Osman Aweys Abdi was attacked near Abubeida School in the Bulla Mzuri area of Garissa. The victim suffered a stab wound to his left thigh and a blunt force blow to the left side of his head. His mobile phone was stolen during the attack. A well-wisher alerted the victim's brother to the incident, and Osman was transported to Antalya Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The body of Osman Aweys Abdi was subsequently transferred to Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital for a postmortem examination. Following the killing, Muhiyadin went into hiding, triggering an intelligence-led manhunt by DCI Garissa detectives. Investigators pursued leads and eventually traced the suspect to a hideout in Kabete, Nairobi, where he was arrested.
The DCI has issued a warning to fugitives, stating that evasion offers only a temporary reprieve. "Going into hiding may buy a suspect time, but it does not buy freedom," the statement read. "Our detectives will pursue every lead, follow every trail and uncover every hideout until those sought are brought before the law."
The DCI has assured the public that it will not forget about past crimes and that justice will be served, no matter how long it takes. "There is no sanctuary for criminals," the DCI added. The arrest of Muhiyadin Abdi Sheikh brings relief to the family of Osman Aweys Abdi and the community in Garissa.
Osman Aweys Abdi's family was alerted to the incident by a well-wisher who had obtained the victim's brother's contact details. The brother rushed to the scene and found Osman in pain, after which he was immediately transported to Antalya Hospital. The incident has raised concerns about security in Garissa and the need for increased vigilance.
The DCI's successful operation demonstrates its commitment to pursuing and bringing to justice those responsible for crimes in Kenya. The arrest of Muhiyadin Abdi Sheikh is a significant milestone in the investigation, and the DCI will continue to work to ensure that justice is served in this case.
Key points
- The DCI arrested 26-year-old Muhiyadin Abdi Sheikh for the fatal stabbing of US national Osman Aweys Abdi in Garissa.
- The incident occurred on May 28, 2026, near Abubeida School in Garissa, and the victim suffered a stab wound and blunt force injury.
- The suspect evaded authorities for months before being tracked down to a hideout in Kabete, Nairobi, and arrested on October 4.
