Mandera terror suspect Abdi Muktar Edow denied bail

A suspected Shabaab member, linked to a terror attack in Mandera and an outlawed meeting at a mosque in Mombasa, has been denied bail for security reasons.

Mr Abdi Rizzack Muktar Edow’s request was overruled at a Nairobi court where he faces five counts of terrorism-related offences.

Acting chief magistrate Daniel Ochenja said public interest overweighed the suspect’s constitutional entitlement to bail and directed he be incarcerated until his case is heard and finalised “for the good of the public.”

Mr Muktar is charged with providing his car for hire to a Shabaab linkman identified as Sheikh Hassan on May 3, a day before the vehicle was intercepted at a roadblock in Mandera.

The occupants of the car engaged police officers in a gunfight before they were killed.

According to the prosecution, eight hand grenades were retrieved from the vehicle among other paraphernalia.

Mr Muktar, who operates a car hire service was arrested on June 2 at the Masai Mara Game Reserve.

He denied the charges linking him to the attack in Mandera the previous day.

The suspect was also charged with sending invitations, allegedly found on his cell phone, for a 'radicalisation' meeting scheduled for February 2 at the Masjid Musa “to further the cause of a terror group.”

He also denied being being a member of the Shabaab.

“The accused is entitled to bail as a constitutional right but where compelling reasons have been advanced, the court declines,” Mr Ochenja said in his ruling on Tuesday.

He said it would not be in public interest to release the suspect and set another hearing for July 28.

The suspect’s lawyer, Mr George Eshuchi however said he would appeal the ruling at the High Court.