Suspect in Westgate attack detained as probe goes on

A terror suspect linked to Westgate mall attack was detained by a court in Mombasa until next week Thursday.

Mr Swaleh Abdallah Said (pictured), will be detained at Makupa police station so police can complete their investigations, Senior Principal Magistrate Richard Odenyo ordered.

Mr Said denied a charge of preparing to commit murder while armed with a grenade in Likoni on Thursday morning.

He also denied that he had a grenade illegally.

Prosecuter Simeon Waithaka told the court that the investigation officer required more time to grill the suspect in connection to Westgate mall attack where 67 died and over 160 others injured.

“Police are studying data from two mobile phones confiscated from him to help in the arrest of more suspects,” he said.

Mr Waithaka added: “Your honour the investigation officer has sworn affidavit to support his application to the court to allow the accused be detained for three days to assist him complete investigation.”

The court further ordered the police to take the suspect to hospital after he claimed he was beaten and injured by the police who arrested him.

“Hooded officers arrested me and took away Sh25,250, a pair of shoes and a cap from me. They later beat and injured me on the neck. I had a sleepless night because of severe pain,” claimed Mr Said.

As the proceedings were going on, a Muslim preacher Maalim Yusuf Turkana tried in vain to address the court alleging that he had concrete evidence to link the accused to terror activities, but was ignored by the magistrate.

The mentioned is on Thursday next week when the court will set a hearing date.