Police deny detaining journalist over Uganda blast

The Anti-Terrorism Police Unit has denied arresting or detaining a Mombasa-based journalist over terror allegations.

The police have told the court that they learnt of the arrest through the media and that they do not know about his whereabouts.

Mr Habib Suleiman Njoroge was allegedly arrested in Mombasa. According to the family members, the suspect was later transferred to Nairobi.

Mr Charles Ogeto, an officer in ATPU, said the arrest allegations are false. The unit did not participate in the alleged arrest, he added. “We are not aware of any such arrest detention or transfer,” said the officer.

Mr Ogeto was responding to an application by family members who wanted him released as they accused the police of kidnapping him.

In the papers presented to court, Ms Aisha Suleiman said her brothers were being held illegally and should be released. Mr Njoroge, a father of a four-year-old son, is a presenter at the Radio Salaam FM station in Mombasa.

When the case was first brought to court, judge Aggrey Muchelule had summoned police commissioner Mathew Iteere to explain the arrests.

Mr Njoroge was allegedly arrested in connection with the Kampala twin bombings that killed at least 75 people. The family insists Mr Njoroge was arrested from his place of work. They are willing to bring eyewitness statements to prove the arrests.

Mr Njoroge’s brother, Mr Yahya Suleiman Mbuthia, is in custody after being arrested last month. ATPU has admitted to the arrest of Mr Mbuthia, whom they said was already handed over to the Ugandan authorities.

Three Kenyan suspects have already been charged with murder and terrorism. ATPU has been working together with the Ugandan authorities to track down the suspects.

In another case, the State will not deport two Tunisians being held by police over terrorism. This follows a decision by High Court judge Kalpana Rawal to extend a temporary order stopping the State from sending the two back to their country until September 14 when their case is heard.

The two, Mr Mohammed Ben Mansour and Mr Hamza Haziri, who have been in custody since August 20, are said to have been on their way to Somalia to train as terrorists.

According to their lawyer Mbugua Mureithi, the two entered Kenya on July 27 and have valid visa. An application filed by a Kenyan on behalf of the two indicates that they did not commit any crime to warrant their arrest and detention.