Two foreign businessmen got locked up after tangling with a governor's convoy. Turkish nationals Osman Elsek and Gokmen Sandikci face fourteen days of detention at an anti-terror police unit in Mombasa. A magistrate approved the state's request to investigate alleged terror financing. The suspects claim the charges are fabricated retaliation for a traffic dispute.
The altercation occurred on the Malindi Mombasa highway. Elsek states that a vehicle from a governor's convoy hit his Land Cruiser and fled. He pursued the car to confront the occupants, leading to an argument and alleged assault. He learned that one person involved was the Wajir county governor. Elsek planned to report the accident but was arrested beforehand.
Their lawyers, George Khaminwa and Cliff Omberta, called the terror accusations an afterthought. They noted both men have lived in Kenya for years with substantial business investments. Elsek holds official refugee status. No evidence links them to terrorist groups globally. The defense argues that authorities use such charges to harass people who clash with powerful figures.
The investigating officer asserted credible intelligence about terror financing necessitated the detention. The magistrate ruled that matters of national security required serious consideration. He stated investigations require suspects to remain under control to avoid compromising the process. The court mandated access to lawyers and medical care during custody.
The state maintains that the traffic incident and terrorism probe are separate issues handled by different agencies. The defense insists the arrest record omits the governor's vehicle details, making the report suspicious. A further court appearance is scheduled after the detention period concludes.
The altercation occurred on the Malindi Mombasa highway. Elsek states that a vehicle from a governor's convoy hit his Land Cruiser and fled. He pursued the car to confront the occupants, leading to an argument and alleged assault. He learned that one person involved was the Wajir county governor. Elsek planned to report the accident but was arrested beforehand.
Their lawyers, George Khaminwa and Cliff Omberta, called the terror accusations an afterthought. They noted both men have lived in Kenya for years with substantial business investments. Elsek holds official refugee status. No evidence links them to terrorist groups globally. The defense argues that authorities use such charges to harass people who clash with powerful figures.
The investigating officer asserted credible intelligence about terror financing necessitated the detention. The magistrate ruled that matters of national security required serious consideration. He stated investigations require suspects to remain under control to avoid compromising the process. The court mandated access to lawyers and medical care during custody.
The state maintains that the traffic incident and terrorism probe are separate issues handled by different agencies. The defense insists the arrest record omits the governor's vehicle details, making the report suspicious. A further court appearance is scheduled after the detention period concludes.
