- They are believed to be the masterminds of the suspected terror attack that led to the death in Lamu West.
- Other charges include destruction of property for the houses and cars during the attacks on the two villages.
Image: CHETI PRAXIDES
Ten suspected terrorists were on Wednesday presented at the Mpeketoni law courts in connection with recent deaths of seven people and torching of houses in Lamu.
They are believed to be the masterminds of the suspected terror attack that led to the killing of six people in Widho village and Sunday night murder of a 62-year-old man at Bobo-Sunkia village in Hindi division, Lamu West.
They arrived at the courts at around 10am under tight security from anti-terror police officers.
They however did not take plea as the prosecution asked to be granted 30 days to complete investigations before preferring charges.
Among the charges they face is the planning, preparation and committing of a terrorist act, seven murder charges following the death of seven people.
They also face the charge of the possession of material related to terrorism.
An investigating officer who declined to be mentioned also said the ten also face alternative charges of causing unrest and fear among the public.
Other charges include destruction of property for the houses and cars during the attacks on the two villages.
“We presented them to court and asked for more time to complete investigations and work on the charge sheet. But the major charge they face is terrorism,” the officer said.
The court will on Thursday 2pm rule on whether or not to grant police the 30 extra days to continue holding the ten suspects.
The recent development comes at a time when Interior CS Fred Matiang’i has declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew in parts of Lamu county as security forces kicked off a major operation in pursuit of the attackers.
In an official statement on Wednesday, Matiang'i listed areas in Mkunumbi division such as Majembeni, Ndambwe and Mkunumbi that will be under curfew immediately.
Other areas are Pandanguo, Dide Waride, Witu and Hamasi, those of Mpeketoni Division, including Bomani, Hongwe, Mpeketoni, Bahari and Mapenya.
Residents in the areas were also asked to cooperate with the security agencies by sharing information on suspicious persons and activities.
(edited by Amol Awuor)