Makaburi’s allies freed after quizzing

By BENARD SANGA

Mombasa, Kenya: The three men who were with Sheikh Abubakar Shariff alias Makaburi when he was shot dead by unknown assailants on April 1 have been released from police custody after interrogation.

And a man who attended the night burial of the slain jihadist told The Standard on Friday that Makaburi’s body had at least four bullet wounds.

Hussein Khalid, who is the Executive Director of the Haki Africa rights group, claimed that he was present when the body was released by officers at Bamburi Police Station for burial at the Mwanyimbo War Memorial Cemetery in Mombasa.

He confirmed that no autopsy was performed on the body but added that “we were able to identify at least four bullet marks. There were two on the left ribs, one between the elbow and arm on the right hand and on the stomach.”

Five companions

Makaburi and five companions were accosted by men driving in a black Sedan and shot. Also killed was Hafidh Bahero, a student considered a Muslim fundamentalist.

One person was injured in the left foot but not from gunshots while the rest escaped unscathed but were promptly detained for interrogation.

On Friday, police in Mombasa said three people were taken into police custody for their own safety and added that they have all been set free without charges.

Mohamed Ali Hassan, Said Ahmed and Khamis Kombo were with Makaburi when he was killed at the Shanzu law court’s main gate.

They were held at Bamburi Police Station after “they feared for their lives” and were assisting police in investigations on the killings.

Kisauni OCPD Richard Ngatia said the three were released after interrogation and police had ascertained that they were safe.