This archive report was first published on 12 November 2019.
On October 1, 2019, a multi-agency security raid in Likoni led to the arrest of two suspected Al-Shabaab militants, Mr. Bakari Chimbonja and Mr. Athuman Nyae. The suspects are set to remain in custody until the conclusion of their case.
The accused are charged with planning a massive terror attack at the coast region, including an attack during the October 20, Mashujaa Day Celebrations. They have denied three terror-related charges, including harboring terrorists and being members of the al-Shabaab militant group.
Appearing before Senior Resident Magistrate Rittah Amwayi, the accused were denied bail due to concerns that they posed a threat to national safety, security, and peace. The magistrate also noted that the suspects were likely to flee, disrupt police investigations, and intimidate witnesses.
It was revealed in court that Mr. Chimbonja had been in the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit's database, noting that he was a repeat offender. The prosecution, led by State Counsel Erick Masila, established that the suspects had killed 11 GSU officers in an Improvised Explosive Device attack in Garissa County.
The case is scheduled for mention on December 17, 2019.
Published on November 12, 2019, by Mahakamani News, Kenya's top court reporting and crime coverage website.
