MRC leader in the dock for 'raising money to fund group'

Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) leader Omar Mwamnuadzi Monday claimed that he was tortured by police before he was arrested on Sunday.

Mr Mwamnuadzi was arrested for allegedly fundraising over Sh200,000 to finance the activities of MRC. He told Kwale Resident Magistrate Paul Mutai that before his arrest at his Ng’ombeni home the police officers beat him up.

Meanwhile police Monday, through an affidavit signed by Investigating Officer Stephen Muli, made an application to have Mwamnuadzi remanded for seven more days for further investigations.

“I ask the court to consider that my health is bad and I cannot get proper care in jail. I was arrested while at home and I have never missed any court case. The Government beat me up and I got injured,” he said.

Incite violence

Mwamnuadzi was charged with being a member of an organised criminal group contrary to Section 3(a) as read with Section 4 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

Mwamnuadzi was denied contributing and receiving money contrary to Section 3(k) as read with section 4 of the prevention of the Organised crime Act. It is alleged that Sh210,200 was contributed for the purpose of furthering the activities of MRC.

The MRC leader was further accused of incitement to violence contrary to Section 96(c) of the Penal Code.

“He was found in possession of an article titled ‘Pwani si Kenya’ which is meant to incite violence against the Government and Republic of Kenya,” said Mr Muli.

The investigating officer added that the crime is serious in nature and investigators require more time to gather substantial evidence.

He noted that the accused is a perpetual offender who is facing similar charges before Kwale and Mombasa courts.

“The accused is out on bond on the previous charges and still continues to commit further offences. I have recovered some documents bearing names of branch officials within the Coast region and would like the accused person, who is chairperson of MRC, to assist me in apprehending them,” added Muli.

He urged the court to deny Mwamnuadzi bail saying he may interfere with the investigations and hinder the arrest of other suspects listed in the documents recovered from him.

The magistrate ordered the accused remanded at Kwale Police Station until Friday this week when the case will be mentioned.