Muslim cleric with terrorism link charged in Kenya

Kenya's Muslim cleric arrested with explosive in the coastal city of Mombasa was on Tuesday charged with three terrorism related offense.

Khalid Mohammed, however, denied the charges of being in possession of explosive devices and stolen vehicle and being a member of Al-Shabaab terror group.

He appeared before Mombasa senior Resident Magistrate Richard Odenyo accompanied with his lawyer.

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) office has applied for 30 days to continue detaining the accused to enable police to complete the investigation.

An application filed by the police indicates that the police recovered a hand grenade, detonator, and plastic explosive concealed in his bedroom.

State Counsel Lydia Kagori objected his release on bond, saying he is likely to jeopardize investigation.

"He has accomplices in and out of Somalia and if released on bail, their plans will be executed as police are still trying to pursue them and botch their plans," Kagori said.

"Considering our porous border and his connection in Somalia, there is likelihood of him jumping bond and joining his accomplices," Kagori added.

Mombasa County Commissioner Nelson Marwa claimed that the cleric stands accused of engaging in extremist sermons in Mombasa on Friday where he delivers teaching.

Marwa told the media that the suspect's teachings are aimed at indoctrinating youth to extremism.

Meanwhile, police have arrested one of the eight terror suspects wanted in the coastal city of Mombasa due to increased insecurity in the city.

Last month, the Kenya police profiled the 10 Al-Shabaab returnees and released their names and photographs, seeking public support for their arrest. Enditem