23 suspected MRC ‘recruits’ arrested
Some of the Mombasa Republican Council members MRC arrested by anti-riot police outside Mombasa Law courts after they became rowdy and police dispersed them, one of the MRC member was killed after being hit by stone. Photo Norbert Allan
Twenty three suspected Mombasa Republican Council members who were allegedly training at Ng'andu forest in Magarini district were arrested on Friday night. Police said the suspects, majority of whom were youths from Kilifi, are believed to be newly-recruited MRC members.
Magarini DC Richard Karani confirmed the arrest saying the suspects were nabbed by officers on patrol in the area on Friday night. Speaking to the Star on phone, Karani said the youths were from Gede, Matsangoni and other parts of the county. "Our officers who were on patrol found these youths near Ng'andu Primary School in a group and they arrsted them. They are now being held at the Malindi police station for further interrogation,'' he said.
He, however, said the police will only establish whether the suspects were MRC recruits or drug traffickers once investigations are complete. "These youths were many and alone without any female in the group. Maybe they could be engaged in drugs because we cannot immediately conclude that they are MRC members,'' he said.
The DC said security personnel are on high alert in the area to deal with any cases of insecurity and assured all residents of safety. "Talk to the police because by now they should have completed their investigations regarding the suspects in their custody,'' he added.
However, when contacted Malindi police boss Kiprono Lang'at denied having any information on such suspects saying he had not received such reports. The MRC was legalised last month in a ruling by the High Court but with stiff conditions. The judges told the group to seek registration as a political party to push for its grievances on historical injustices and marginalisation.