The ODPP has opposed Sheikh Guyo Gorsa's release on bail following allegations that he is a member of terror group al Shabaab.
Charges against the Muslim cleric include conspiracy to commit terrorism, radicalisation, recruiting members to a terrorist group and membership to a terrorist group, which the prosecution noted attract jail terms of at most 30 years each.
The religious leader
from Marsabit County faced Milimani Chief Magistrate Francis Andayi on Thursday.
Prosecutor Solomon Naulikha strongly opposed his release noting he is an influential person in the area and that there was death, violent riots and destruction of property when he was apprehended.
The cleric was
arrested in Marsabit town mid-January and flown to Nairobi for police to conduct a thorough probe.
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The charge sheet states that on
January 13 at Madrasa Toba in Marsabit, Gorsa was found to be a member of the outlawed organisation.
It is said he was found with an X-TIGI mobile phone fitted with a micro SD card which contained eight videos which was for use in the commission of a terrorist act.
The court also heard that Gorsa had been
in constant communication with a number of well-known terrorists based in Somalia and that two of his recruits are facing terror-related charges at the Milimani Chief Magistrate's court.
The suspect had been detained for 30 days to allow
ATPU officers to complete their investigations.
The suspect
was charged after the probe was completed - he
denied eight counts of terror-related crimes.
Gorsa's lawyer
Chacha Mwita noted he is a religious leader and a counselor entrusted with teaching children the word of God.
“He is loved by most residents of Marsabit for the guidance and order he has brought among youths. He is a stranger to the allegations of terrorism."
The ruling on his release will be made on March 1.
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