DPP Keriako Tobiko assigns 10 top prosecutors to Coast cases

GSU officers stand guard at Hindi trading centre on Tuesday following attacks. The DPP has said investigations show attacks were systematic. [PHOTO: FILE/STANDARD]

The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has seconded 10 senior prosecutors to the team of investigators handling the Lamu and Tana River attacks that have so far left more than 80 people dead.

DPP Keriako Tobiko said the prosecutors are supposed to guide investigations, review evidence brought forward, screen all files on the cases, give technical advice and make decisions before any suspect is taken to court.

Tobiko told The Standard preliminary evidence showed the attacks were systematic and organised, targeting a particular segment of residents.

“The attacks were complex, organised and linked to terrorist organisations. It is an intertwined crime that needs a lot of attention,” said Tobiko.

He said the prosecutors are drawn from the International Crimes, Homicide and Counter Terrorism divisions. The prosecutors, he said, have already reviewed and approved the cases presented in court.

The DPP said the crimes committed in Lamu and Tana River are beyond the ordinary Penal Code, Counter Terrorism Act, Organised Gangs Act and other laws.

“Those who bear the greatest responsibility will be charged in court as soon as investigations are complete,” he said.

Tobiko made the remarks in the wake of questions over whether his office had been involved from the beginning of investigations. So far, at least three people have been charged with murder, forcible eviction and terrorism.

Sh5 million bail

More than 80 people have been killed in the area and hundreds displaced in attacks in the past month alone. There are tens of IDPs in prisons and police camps.

During the earlier incident in Mpeketoni, Lamu Governor Issa Timamy was arrested and charged with murder, forcible eviction and terrorism before his eventual release on a Sh5 million bail.

The latest suspect was a Lamu businessman, who on Wednesday was charged with the mass murder of 65 people in Mpeketoni between June 15 and 17.

Mahadi Swaleh Mahadi alias Jesus was arrested in Lamu town on Tuesday and taken to Mombasa overnight where the State opened murder charges against him. The State applied to consolidate Mahadi’s charges with those of Dyana Salim Suleiman, a matatu driver in Lamu.

The charges, mentioned before Justice Martin Muya, were consolidated, with State lawyer Alex Muteti applying to have them detained at Port Police Station in Mombasa. The judge said Justice Edward Muriithi would decide on bond application.