MRC leader Omar Mwamnuadzi charged in Kwale court

The chairman of the Mombasa Republican Council (MRC), Mr Omar Mwamnuadzi, was charged on Monday in a Kwale court with being a member of an organised criminal group.

This followed his arrest by police officers who raided his home on Sunday morning in Ng’ombeni, Kwale County.

Appearing before Kwale Resident Magistrate Paul Mutai, Mr Mwamnuadzi was charged with two extra charges of contributing and receiving money and incitement to violence.

According to the charge sheet, the accused was found in possession of Sh210,200 for the purpose of furthering the activities of the group and also had documents with the words "Pwani Si Kenya" written on them.

Giving his evidence, investigating officer Stephen Muli said the offences were serious in nature and asked the court to give him more time for investigations.

He added that being a perpetual offender who is facing similar charges in Mombasa and Kwale, the accused had to be remanded in police custody until investigations are complete.

“It is my humble submission that this court grant us seven days for investigations and interrogation. I also do not wish the accused to be freed as he might interfere with the same,” he said.

Mr Muli informed the court that in spite of being out on bond, Mr Mwamnuadzi had continued being a member of the group and hence creating the need to be denied bond.

LIST OF MRC OFFICIALS

He added that during the arrest, a list of names of people who operate as branch officials and whom detectives want the accused to help in identifying was found.

“We want to know who the remaining officials are and we would also like to know the source of the money and the purpose for which it was intended,” he said.

However, Mr Mwamnuadzi dismissed the charges levelled against him, claiming he was not feeling well and asking the court to allow him to go back home.

He disclosed that when the officers raided his home they told him that they were looking for MRC T-shirts, which they could not find and instead found the money.

“My health has not been well ever since I was beaten by government officers. I would therefore like to ask this court to allow me to go home as investigations continue,” he said.

OPPOSED PLEA

State Counsel George Mungai opposed the plea, saying if released on whatever terms, it was highly likely that he would interfere with the evidence.

Mr Mungai said once it is proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused is sick then the government could offer treatment if he requires medical attention.

“The accused will be having another case in Mombasa on Tuesday and there are officers from Nairobi who are ready to testify. I therefore suggest he be remanded,” he said.

The magistrate granted the prosecution five days to conduct the investigations and also ordered that the accused be given medical treatment or allowed to meet his personal doctor.

The case will be mentioned on January 29.