Turkish Tycoon Osman Elsek Finally Charged in Mombasa Over link with Alshabaab Terror Group

Osman Erdink  Elsek, a Turkish billionaire based in Kikambala, Kilifi County, was on Tuesday charged with several counts of offences, including being a member of Harakat Alshabaab Mujahedin, a terrorist network from Somalia.

The controversial Turkish national pleaded not guilty to the charges and was later released by Mombasa Resident Magistrate David Odhiambo, on a bond of KSh 1 million.

Elsek was arraigned before the Magistrate Court after being arrested and detained by police for more than 20 days.

Officers from the Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU) arrested him along with Gokmen Sandikci, another Turkish national, on 14th January, 2026, at his Kikambala, Kanamai home.

According to Court files, Osman Elsek was arrested on allegations of being found in possession of a mobile phone suspected of having knowingly collected information, including video recordings believed to be for the use in the commission of a terrorist act.

The Police also accused Osman of assaulting and injuring  Bonface Katana,a driver, on 12th January, 2026,  at Majengo Kanamai in Kilifi County.

He was further accused of having a firearm, namely a Glock Pistol in circumstances which the state claimed to have raised a reasonable presumption that the same weapon was intended to be used unlawfully.

"On the 12th of January, 2026 at around 2000hrs at Majengo Kanamai area in Kilifi County, Osman Erdinc Elsek, without reasonable excuse, has in possession of a firearm, namely Glock Pistol S/No RBV973, in circumstances which raised reasonable presumption that the said firearm was intended to be used in a manner prejudiced to public order," says a Charge Sheet filed in Court.

Gokmen was also charged with illegal possession of a firearm and assault, and later released on  a KSh500,000 bond and a cash bail of KSh200,000.

Osman and Gokmen had earlier led their lawyers, Ombeta and John Khaminwa, in causing drama in Court after charges of terrorism were read to him.

The accused argued that the charges were intentionally fabricated to ensure they spent days in police custody.

"I repeat and will repeat this many times that our clients Elsek and Gokmen, are innocent, they have only been framed, and now the police are using fabricated and fake charges like terrorism to intimidate and silence them. Am sure soon, the truth will prevail when the hearing begins," Lawyer Ombeta said on behalf of their clients.

Magistrate Odhiambo directed the case to be mentioned on 19th February, 2026, for further directions and case management.

Meanwhile, Executive Director, Centre for Litigation Trust, Julius Ogogoh said that as much as they support the war against terrorism in the country, the accused should be given a fair trial to ensure justice prevails.

"Like any other Kenyan, we support the fight against terror in the country as long as Justice is allowed to prevail in every case", said Mr Ogogoh.

Osman Elsek, also a refugee from Turkiye, is re-known philanthropic investor in Mombasa and Kilifi Counties, where he owns property, including real estate and hotels, worth billions of shillings.