This archive report was first published on 17 July 2019.
On May 14, 2019, Salim Mohamed Rashid, a suspected Al-Shabaab member, was arrested at Moi International Airport in Mombasa by Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU) officers.
According to an affidavit filed by the State, investigations revealed that Rashid was on his way to Syria to join Isis using an Ethiopian Airlines flight via Sudan.
Police Constable Onesmus Kiema, investigating the matter, told the court that releasing Rashid on bail might lead him to abscond court and proceed with his earlier plan.
The State argued that the gravity of the offence is serious and attracts grave penalties, and asked the court to take judicial notice of the numerous terror attacks at the Coast and around the country.
Intelligence reports further revealed that Rashid's accomplices are believed to be in possession of other illegal weapons, which they were planning to use in attacking unspecified places within the Coast region.
The investigator also stated that investigations to establish the suspect's associates and their whereabouts are still underway, and releasing Rashid will interfere with the same.
Mr. Rashid has denied being a member of the Shabaab terror group and has asked the court to release him on bond.
