Kenya charges two Somali doctors over al Shabaab links

By Judy Ogutu

Two Somali doctors arrested in Eastleigh for being in Kenya illegally and for alleged recruitment of al Shabaab agents in Kenya have been charged in court.

The two— Ali Omar and Adan Hassan were on Friday morning charged for alleged criminal activities and being members of al-Qaeda linked militants - al Shabaab.

Doctors, Ali Omar and Ali Adan at the Milimani law courts where they were charged with being members of al shabaab and engaging in criminal activities. (PHOTO:ANN KAMONI/STANDARD)

According to the charges, the two are accused that on October 20 in Pumwani within Nairobi County, they engaged in organised criminal activities—being members of al Shabaab, an outlawed group.

The two pleaded not guilty. Chief Magistrate Gilbert Mutembei denied them bail and remanded them into custody until October 25.

The prosecution had asked to be given three days for further investigation.

The arrests in Nairobi come as Kenyan troops pressed on with an incursion into Somalia, targeting al Shabaab insurgents.

On Thursday President Kibaki issued a firm warning to al-Shabaab that Kenya will not relent in its pursuit of the militia, and wants citizens to report any suspicious activities or persons to the police.

His call to arms came as the military revealed it had captured the town of Ras Kamboni, a hideout for pirates allied to al-Shabaab.

Kenya also has its eyes trained on capturing Kismayu where pirates anchor hijacked ships for ransom.

"We will defend our territorial integrity through all measures necessary to ensure peace and stability," Kibaki said during Mashujaa Day celebrations at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Thursday.

While reiterating Kenya’s determination to use "all means necessary" to destroy the militia, Kibaki asked wananchi to tap into their patriotism and watch out for al Shabaab sympathisers and agents out for revenge.