MP’s daughter, Muslim boyfriend set free after father linked them to terrorism
The daughter of North Mugirango MP was Monday set free together with her boyfriend after spending at least four days in Anti-Terror Police Unit’s (ATPU) custody.
Senior Resident Magistrate Martha Mutuku directed that Ms Erisiana Sabiri Mong’are, 22, and Mr Ahmed Salim Lali, 24, be released from custody pending investigations into allegations by ATPU that the duo is involved in terror-related activities.
The Magistrate also asked the two to report to the ATPU office every week for a period of one month, besides warning them from travelling outside the country.
ENGAGING IN TERRORISM
The two had appeared before court for further directions in the case in which they are accused of engaging in terrorism activities.
When they were first arraigned in court, last Friday, they surprised the packed courtroom with sensational claims that North Mugirango MP Charles Mong’are was the one behind their prosecution.
Through their lawyer, Wilson Hassan Nadwa, the court heard that Erisiana is the legislator’s daughter while the man she had been arraigned with as her co-accused was her boyfriend whom his dad had rejected.
“The father of the girl is a politician, he is just using ATPU to instill discipline into her and the potential son-in-law. The MP could not believe that she has fallen in love with a Muslim boy,” he said.
Ahmed was arrested on May 25 in South C, while Erisiana was arrested along Kenyatta Avenue.
The couple was staying at a hotel in Nairobi’s South C estate prior to their arrest.
COMMUNICATING WITH TERRORISTS
But according to ATPU investigators, they have been in constant communication with known terrorists and are therefore suspected to be planning as well as collecting information for the purpose of facilitating terrorism activities.
Court had also earlier heard that the young couple had obtained Sh450, 000 from Ahmed’s father, who is a retired pilot, and were planning to travel to Tanzania before the end of the month.
They have also allegedly acquired temporary passes to facilitate their travel but are set to be charged with offences under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
Following the turn of events, the Magistrate also asked the legislator to personally pick her daughter from the ATPU offices because he failed to appear in court as earlier ordered.
The case will now be mentioned on June 21.
