German jailed for loitering near restricted area of Moi International Airport

Mombasa, Kenya: A German who strayed into a restricted area of Moi International Airport in Mombasa has been jailed for four months. The man admitted entering a protected part of the airport illegally.

The court said he can avoid a jail term by paying a Sh50,000 fine.

Werner Konigsmark was convicted and sentenced after he admitted before Mombasa Chief Magistrate Susan Shitubi that on October 29 this year at Moi International Airport, he was found in a restricted area without authority.

The suspect who spoke through an interpreter admitted having strayed into the area while searching for a place to buy a new air ticket for the flight back to his country after the one he had expired.

"It is true I went to the restricted place on that day but I was looking for a place to buy a ticket," said Mr Konigsmark.

The prosecution said the accused was found loitering in the  restricted area and could not explain himself when accosted by airport security.

The court was told the accused was asked to seek help from German Embassy in Nairobi but he declined prompting airport police to detain him.

"You have been found guilty of entering international departures, which is a restricted area in accordance with Kenyan law. You will be fined Sh50,000 or in default, go to jail for four months," the magistrate ruled.