Family claims police have hid Muslim cleric

By Philip Mwakio

The family of terror suspect Abubakar Shariff alias Makaburi claims they cannot trace him, a day after he appeared in court over incitement.

 “We are worried about his safety. We searched for him in all police stations in Mombasa but we have not found him,’’ Shariff’s younger sister Fatma said.

Shariff is due to appear in court today for his bail application.

Sharrif’s mother Nuru Ahmed, 70, said efforts to track the preacher had been futile. The family on Tuesday addressed a media briefing organised by Muslim for Human Rights (Muhuri).

Muhuri’s executive director Hussein Khalid said they joined the family in the search for Shariff after receiving word that he had disappeared.

“A court in Mombasa ordered for his detention at Central Police Station after arrest warrant against him had been lifted when he appeared in court,’’ Khalid said.

Assistance necessary

He added that the family had gone to visit and give him clothes and food.

“We have even consulted with his lawyer Mbugua Muriithi and agreed to look for him,’’ Khalid said.

He added Muhuri officers visited Central Police Station, Makupa station and the provincial police headquarters.

“Muhuri and the family of Sharrif are concerned by the tricks being played by police. As per the Constitution, under Article 49(c), an arrested person has the right to communicate with an advocate , and other persons  whose assistance is necessary,’’ he said.

Khalid added Shariff’s is being denied fundamental rights with police remaining secretive of his whereabouts. “This is a blatant violation of the Constitution and total disregard of a court directive,’’ he said. On Monday, the cleric appeared in court where he was charged with inciting youth to violence after the killing of his colleague Sheikh Aboud Rogo.