This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
On June 19, a man forced his way into State House in Nairobi, prompting a dramatic response from presidential guards. The incident has now taken a surprising turn, with the intruder being freed on medical grounds.
A report from Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital, presented to court on Friday, revealed that Luqman Ali Mahmmoud had a mental condition and required urgent medical attention.
Magistrate Daniel Ndungi released Mahmmoud to his uncle, who had requested to take him to hospital under Section 87(a) of the Criminal Procedure Code.
However, the magistrate issued a stern warning to Mahmmoud and his uncle, stating that if he were to return to State House, he would face double punishment and the uncle would be arrested and charged with criminal negligence.
According to the charges, Mahmmoud was accused of creating a disturbance by forcing entry through State House's gate and refusing to stop for a police search.
He admitted to two charges, including causing a disturbance and entering a protected area, and told the court that he wanted to speak to President Uhuru Kenyatta on how to worship Allah.
