Two NGOs lose bid to lift order on bank accounts linked to terrorism

The High Court in Mombasa has ordered the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), and Attorney General (AG) to respond to the petition filed by two human rights organisations over the State's decision to freeze of their bank accounts.

But Haki Africa and Muslim for Human Rights suffered a setback yesterday after the court declined to lift the order on their accounts until the State responds to the petition.

The organisations have filed an application challenging the gazette notice published on April 7, by the Inspector General of Police linking them to financing terrorism. Representatives of the German Embassy, British High Commission, US Embassy, Canadian High Commission, USA Bar Association and the organisation's sponsors were present.

Justice Mathew Anyara Emukule said he will hear the application for conservatory orders by the petitioners on April 30, after the DPP and AG respond.

"Because of the petition hearing and public interest in the matter, we need to hear the conservatory order separately. I thereby give seven days for submissions," he said.

Kenya National Commission of Human Rights and Katiba Africa were enjoined in the case as friends of the court.