THE High Court in Mombasa has said two people have a case to answer over the massacre of 60 people in Mpeketoni, Lamu county.
Judge Martin Muya said after getting all the evidence from witnesses, the two should be put on their defence.
Mahadi Swaleh, alias Jesus, and Diana Salim were arrested after the killings in 2014. They allegedly committed the offences between June 15 and 17 at Kaisari village, Mpeketoni.
Lawyers Taib Ali Taib and AB Olaba told the court their clients will give sworn evidence and call witnesses.
On Wednesday, investigating officer Jeremiah Ikiao told the court a survivor under protection told detectives he identified Mahadi as one of the attackers.
Ikiao said the witness knew Mahadi as a resident of Mpeketoni by his nickname, Jesus, and from his distinctive heavy beard.
The witness said he had been involved in a land dispute with Mahadi.
Ikiao said the witness’s description led police to Mahadi.
It is not clear how the witness, who cannot be named because of a court order, survived the killings he claims to have witnessed.
“During investigations, police established Jesus participated in the killing of non-Muslims at Poromoko, Kaiseri and Mavuno villages on the outskirts of Mpeketoni,” Ikiao said.
He said the attackers raped women.
Ikiao said they used bright torches to search for men in their houses and kill them.
The case will be heard on February 4.
