Mpeketoni killings suspect in court

What you need to know:

  • Omar Abdulrahman, 26, was arrested on August 13 in Lamu West and was being held at Mpeketoni Police Station.
  • The suspect, on his part, asked the court to release him on bond so that he could go for treatment.

A suspect in the recent killing of more than 70 people in Mpeketoni Town appeared in court on Tuesday.

Omar Abdulrahman, 26, was arrested on August 13 in Lamu West and was being held at Mpeketoni Police Station.

Police said Abdulrahman was among the gang that participated in the mass killings and destruction of property in Mpeketoni Town and the surrounding areas on June 15 and 16.

FOUR DAYS

The officer handling the case, Raphael Wanjohi, is attached to the Criminal Investigations Department in Lamu County.

He, however, asked the court to grant him 10 more days to complete the investigations.

Mr Wanjohi said police wanted to conduct identification, forensic analysis and collect views from several other witnesses.

“We also want to confirm if Abdulrahman was among the killers. I, therefore, request the court to allow police to hold the suspect in custody for 10 more days,” the investigating officer said.

The suspect, on his part, asked the court to release him on bond so that he could go for treatment. He said he was suffering from scabies.

Instead of 10, Lamu Resident Magistrate David Ireri allowed the police to detain the suspect for four more days.

“I have heard the request by the investigating officer and the suspect. The suspect will be detained for four more days at Mpeketoni Police Station. He should also be taken to hospital,” said the magistrate.

The case will be mentioned on Thursday August 21.

In the same court, a Tanzanian was accused of being in the country illegally.

The court was told that Ali Mohamed Faki, 23, was arrested on August 9 at Kiwayu island on his way to Somalia.

PEACEFUL KENYA

According to the police, Faki faked his identity at the Lunga Lunga immigration offices and crossed the border illegally.

The prosecutor also said Faki failed to report to the immigration officers of his planned visit to Somalia, raising suspicion.

The Tanzanian pleaded guilty to the charges and begged for mercy.

“While in my country, I was told Kenya was peaceful. That is why I crossed the border. I never knew that there were other procedures I was supposed to follow,” he told the court.

He was released on a Sh200,000 bond with surety of a similar amount. The case will be mentioned in September 3 and heard on September 22.