Owner of Pangani blast car in court

Police officers assess the scene the explosion at the entrance to the Pangani Police Station on April 23, 2014. AFP PHOTO / Tony KARUMBA

The owner of the vehicle which exploded at Pangani Police Station in Nairobi killing four people was brought to court on Friday under heavy security.

Mr Ahmed Dugal Ali appeared alongside Mr Abziazi Bulle Ali and Mr Mohamed Abdullahi Salir but did not plead to any charge as police require more time for investigation.

Corporal Cyrus Ikade, of the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit, swore an affidavit requesting the court to allow the suspects be held for 10 more days.

According to the officer, Mr Ali and his two accomplices-relatives to one of the suicide bombers- are a threat to national security.

PRESENTED HIMSELF

"We need more time to get to the bottom of this matter...the second and third respondent are close associates of the suspects who died in the Pangani attack."

He said security agents are searching for other accomplices as the probe continues.

Mr Dugal however objected to the 10-day incarceration saying he had voluntarily presented himself to the police after seeing that his vehicle was involved in the attack and was willing to help with investigations.

The court ignored his plea and allowed the police to hold the three at Muthaiga Police Station.