By Ibrahim Adan Ali
Wednesday November 9, 2022
Paul Bachi testified that he attempted to enter Somalia from Mandera to buy a Kiswahili Koran.
[Ibrahim Adan Ali]
A man has been arraigned in Mandera law court for attempting to cross the border into Somalia through an illegal point contrary to the immigration act.
Paul Bachia, who was arrested on October 21 near Najma Water Company along the border, pleaded guilty.
The court heard that Bachia arrived in Mandera on October 16, 2022, through Nairobi-Moyale road.According to the court reports Bachia, who was in a public service vehicle driver’s uniform, had earlier arrived at Mandera in search of a driver’s job. However, he had no document to show he was a qualified driver.
The court heard that Bachia had converted to the Muslim faith at Jamia Mosque on October 17, 2022, and was baptised and given the name Mohamed.
According to prosecutor Michael Lokitam, the accused told arresting officers his mission was to buy a Kiswahili Koran in Somalia, a near impossibility.
Bachia denied the charges before Principal Magistrate Peter Wasike. He will be remanded until he raises a bond of Sh100,0000 or an assurance of a similar amount.
The matter will be mentioned on November 22 and heard on December 1, 2022.