A student is held by police over threatening an Mp

Alex Anyolo Kikuyu in the dock at a Milimani court where he was accused of sending threatening messages to an Mp . Police were granted 5 days to detain him as they complete investigations . [George Njunge/Standard]

A Milimani court has allowed the police to detain a university student accused of sending threatening messages to an MP to complete investigations.

Alex Anyolo Kikuyu, a student at the University of Nairobi, will be locked up at Central Police Station for five days following an affidavit presented to court by the prosecution, led by Ms Susan Kuruga.

Kikuyu (pictured) is accused of threatening Busia Woman Representative Florence Mutua.

“Your honour, on May 27 at about 1 o'clock, Hon Florence Mutua received threatening messages on her phone from three mobile numbers. Your honour, the contents of the messages were as follows; Hi, kindly don’t walk alone around Parliament and don’t visit Intercontinental House this week,” Susan said.

The message further said some politicians had hired mercenaries and that Ms Mutua’s life was in danger as she was to be assassinated.

After receiving the messages, Mutua made a report at Parliament Police Station.

Kuruga told court Kikuyu was arrested for the offence of threatening to kill contrary to the Penal Code.

She said the suspect was also found in possession of identity cards belonging to other people among other offences.

"The investigating officer recovered 13 identity cards, 37 Safaricom lines and 23 Telkom lines from the suspect. The investigation is complex as it requires us to collect evidence from different parts of the country, including Mombasa,” Kuruga said.

Kuruga said Kikuyu was a serious flight risk and would also interfere with investigations if freed.

In his reply, Kikuyu objected to the application arguing his detention will interfere with his studies.

“Your honour, I am also a young parent with an expectant wife. I will present myself in court as and when required," he said.

Kikuyu took an issue with the media accusing journalists of 'excessive' coverage of his case.

In his ruling, Milimani Principal Magistrate Peter Ooko granted the orders the prosecution had sought after which the suspect will be charged.