Tuesday, January 31, 2012
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A Kenyan court on Monday charged a former Muslim preacher, Aboud Rogo Mohammed, with possessing guns and hand grenades and preparing to commit a felony, his lawyers said.The east African nation has been in a heightened state of security alert since it sent troops into Somalia in October to fight al Shabaab rebels that it blames for attacks on its territory.
Kenya's military move has provoked several attacks on Kenyan soil by militants who mainly used hand grenades and makeshift bombs.
The magistrates court in the port city of Mombasa remanded Mohammed in custody after the prosecution argued he had broken bail terms in the past while facing criminal charges.
"Denying him bond is a violation of his basic human rights. My client is well known by the public and as such, can not abscond as argued by the prosecution," said defence lawyer Chacha Mwita.
Members of Mohammed's family have accused the police of planting the weapons in his house.