Garissa church attack suspect in court

KBC
Saturday, July 21, 2012

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A man arrested in connection with the Garissa church attack that left 17 worshippers dead and over 60 others injured was Friday arraigned before a Garissa court charged with two counts of robbery with violence and a separate charge of engaging in a criminal activity.

Moses Nzalu Kethakio 27, faced charges that on July 1, 2012 at the AIC church in Garissa jointly with others not before court and while armed with AK 47s, robbed two police constables Absalom Ogembo and Issa Mohamed of their two AK 47 rifles each loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition and valued at Sh. 46,380 per piece and immediately thereafter proceeded to use the weapons in committing a criminal offence.

The accused, dressed in red polo t-shirt, blue faded jeans and white sneakers and appeared unfazed by the presence of media and public who jammed the courtroom wanting to catch a glimpse of the person who committed acts that left the nation stunned.

In a calm and collected manner and speaking in Swahili dashed with a hint of Kamba accent, Nzalu who was not represented by a lawyer denied all the charges leveled against him before Garissa Principal Magistrate John Onyiego.

The prosecutor Samuel Kerigitho asked the court for more time in order to conclude investigations into the matter as the accused had only been arrested the previous day and also deduce if there were any further charges like that of murder that would be preferred against the accused.

The court accepted the prosecution's request and the accused was remanded at the Garissa Police Station until September 24, when the case will be heard.

Meanwhile, Iran has defended itself against claims of terrorism by Israel amid growing tension between the two countries.

Iranian Ambassador to Kenya Malek Hossein Givzad says his country remains committed in supporting Kenya in the fight against terrorism.

The ambassador took the opportunity to wish Muslims in the country a happy Ramadhan urging them to foster good relations with their neighbors.

He expressed his gratitude to the government of Kenya saying working relations between his country and Kenya has improved. Givzad said Iran has established various development projects in the country which they will continue supporting.

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