MRC head Omar Mwamnuadzi released on bond

Mombasa Republican Council leader Omar Mwamnuazi (in stripped shirt) together with eleven others arrive at Kwale law courts for the mention of their case on November 03, 2014. PHOTO | LABAN WALLOGA | NATION MEDIA GROUP  

By PHILIP MUYANGA pmuyanga@ke.nationmedia.com

Mombasa Republican Council chairperson Omar Mwamnuadzi and 11 other suspected members of the group who are facing a charge of taking part in unlawful assembly were on Monday released on a Sh800,000 bond with two sureties each.

Kwale principal magistrate Elizabeth Usui released the accused saying the nature of the charge before her did not warrant them to be denied bond.

However, Ms Usui declined an application by defence lawyer Yusuf Abubakar seeking to have the accused granted an alternative of a cash bail.

The case will be mentioned on November 17 and heard on January 12 next year.

The release on bond of Mr Mwamnuadzi and other suspected members of MRC comes barely a day after the group dismissed claims by the government that it was behind the attack on Nyali barracks.

(READ: State blames MRC for attacks in Nyali barracks, AP camp)
Prior to releasing the accused on bond, probation officer Mr Sammy Chiko presented pre-bail reports of the accused saying they were suitable for release on bond with sureties.

The state, through prosecuting counsel George Mungai, did not oppose the release of Mr Mwamnuadzi and others on bond.

“The investigation officer has confirmed there is no objection to the accused being released,” said Mr Mungai.

In granting bond, the magistrate also noted that the pre-bail reports were favourable to the accused.

TIGHT SECURITY

Other accused are Khamis Mohamed,Baya Mwagovi,Swaleh Omar,Anthony Karisa,Katana Jibana,Munga Tsuma,Mohamed Juma,Masud Juma,Jumamosi Issa and Jairus Muyesi.

There was tight security in court as General Service Unit, regular police and prison officers in anti-riot gear secured the Kwale law courts throughout the proceedings.

The armed security officers secured a radius of approximately 60 metres from the perimeter of the court buildings.

Mr Mwamnuadzi was taken to court under tight security some minutes past 9.15am and was held at the court cells before the case was mentioned.

Hundreds of people believed to be his supporters and relatives had gathered at the court precincts as early as 8.30am and only a few of them were allowed to inside the courtroom.

There was a light moment after the court proceedings when suspected MRC supporters held a mini fundraising to help cater the needs of the accused in remand as they looked for ways of meeting bond terms.

“We have decided to conduct this fundraising so that we can help our people,” said Mr Salim Issa Goga MRC national organizing secretary.

Mr Goga said they need the money to facilitate among others payment for legal services.

When Mr Mwamnuadzi and 38 others were arrested in 2012, at least two people were killed and others wounded in an operation that led to the arrest.

Mr Mwamnuadzi was charged with being in possession of a firearm and 15 rounds of ammunitions.