Five in court over Mpeketoni attack

Five men on Monday appeared before a Lamu court in connection to the attack at Mpeketoni trading centre which left about 60 people dead and property worth million of shillings destroyed.

However, Mr Mbaruk Hamad, Mr Alex Mwanginga, Mr Yusuf Ali, Mr Joseph Mwangi and Mr John Mwangi were not charged and instead police asked the court to grant them ten days to complete their investigations.

Corporal Raphel Wanjohi who had sworn an affidavit told senior resident magistrate David Ireri that they suspect the five planned and took part in the Mpeketoni and Kibaoni trading centre attacks.

“It is alleged that they took part in the attack of Mpeketoni town and surrounding neighbourhood.

“We have reason to believe that evidence material to the alleged offence may be obtained through forensic analysis and interviews of eye witnesses at the scene which is currently taking place,” added Mr Wanjohi.

The magistrate directed that the five be detained at Lamu police station for ten days to allow investigations to be completed.

The production of the five men in court has brought the number of suspects arrested in connection to the attacks to nine after four others were taken to court on similar grounds on Friday.

Among those who were in court include Mr Dyana Salim who was allegedly carjacked and his vehicle used to carry out the attack.

“It is alleged that the Nissan matatu which he drives was carjacked and used to ferry the attackers to Mpeketoni town,” Mr Wanjohi told the court in relation to Mr Salim.

Others include Mr Lucas Bososi Ombui, Cecily Njeri Ndugo and Mr Idris Dada Farah who were accused of taking part in the planning and attack of the town.

The court directed that they be held for seven days to allow police to complete investigations against them.