Four youths in fear after wrongful arrest

Mombasa, Kenya: Four youths who were recently arrested in Nakuru in connection with terrorism and later arraigned in a Nairobi court have expressed fear for their lives.

The four; Salim Salmin Faraj, Said Mohamed Shee, Salim Ayub Salim and Swaleh Ali Mansur said yesterday they were wrongfully detained, profiled and accused of having links with Al-Shabaab terror group.

They were arrested in Nakuru on January 20. Police linked them to the recent terrorism killings in Mandera, and accused them of plotting to carry out terror attacks in Nairobi and the Coast region.

The four were, however, set free and are now demanding a public apology from the State and surety that they will not be hurt or subjected to further humiliation on mere suspicion.

They said, as a result of the arrest, they have suffered humiliation, loss of earnings, stigma and now fear for their lives.

Public rejection

Mr Faraj said since their arraignment in court, where they featured in the media, their lives have changed for the worse.

"We face absolute rejection. We are innocent and cannot hurt a fly. Let the Government move with the same speed they used to apprehend and haul us to court to clear our names," said Faraj.

He said before the arrest, he was an employee of a confectionery firm in Nakuru where he worked as a sales person.

"Our trouble started on January 30, when we went to watch a Bundesliga match within Nakuru town," he said.

After appearing in court, the four were later released without pressing more charges on them.