Malawian Citizen Arrested with Mombasa SGR Terminus Sketch Charged with Terror Links

A Malawian citizen was on Wednesday charged with collecting information by drawing a sketch plan of the Standard Gauge Railway terminus in Mombasa for use in commission of a terrorist act.

Kristen Prince Kishombe, who claimed to be a professional footballer, was also charged with declining to exit an area not intended for passengers at the Mombasa SGR terminus.

Appearing before Mombasa Chief Magistrate Julius Nang’ea, he denied the charges. The judge ordered he be detained for seven days to allow the police to conclude investigations.

Prosecuting counsel Lydia Kagori said the accused is suspected of being connected to a terrorist organisation.

She said that police had confiscated laptops and three mobile phones from the accused, which are being scrutinized at the cyber crime office in Nairobi.

“The investigation officer is expected to liaise with his counterparts in Nairobi and also the Malawian Embassy,” said Ms Kagori.

Kishombe told the judge that the Immigration Department issued him a transit visa to Kenya and that he did not know any terrorist group.

“All they (police) are doing is to implicate me, I am a football player, other passengers were taking photos of the terminus, I have a sketch with few details,” said the accused.

He was arrested on August 28th at 5.30pm at the terminus. The case will be mentioned on September 7th.