Mombasa man denies being Al Shabaab member

Said Chivatsi Lewa in court. Police say he was in possession of video material on the August 27, 2012 assassination of radical Islamist Sheikh Aboud Rogo Mohamed. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

A man who police say was in possession of video material on the August 27, 2012 assassination of radical Islamist Sheikh Aboud Rogo Mohamed has been charged with 12 terrorism counts.

The charges include belonging to a terrorist group, Al Shabaab, holding material to be used to commit terror and promoting extremist religious beliefs.

The suspect denied all the charges when he was arraigned on Friday.

Rogo was killed by unknown people in Mombasa, sparking days of unrest from his youthful supporters across the coastal city.

Besides open proclamation of support for Al Shabaab, the cleric considered the Kenyan State and government as illegitimate and any Muslims recognising it as an apostate worthy of killing.

Said Chivatsi Lewa, who was arraigned before Mombasa Senior Resident Magistrate Martin Rabera, is said to have committed the crimes in Mazeras EPZ in Kilifi County on or around June 12 this year, according to the charge sheet.

Mr Said denied being a member of Al Shabaab. The prosecution has so far listed one witness who happens to be a police officer.

The prosecution also wants Chivatsi denied bond due to an ongoing investigation against him.

The magistrate will rule on Chivatsi's bail application on Wednesday.