Sakina Mariam, mother to Ali Gichunge detained for 30 days

Judge delivers tough directive on Ali Gichunge's mother

Mumbi Mutuko

January 22, 2019 8:10 AM

Ali Gichunge's mother paying for son's sins

Ali Gichunge's mother, Sakina Mariam Abdalla in court together with others linked in the Dusit complex attack

The mother to Ali Gichunge, the man believed to be the mastermind of the Dusit complex attack was detained for 30 days by the judge.

According to Milimani Magistrate Martha Mutuku, this was to allow the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit to conclude its investigations.

Milimani Law courts Pulse Live Kenya

Sakina Mariam Abdalla told sleuths that she last spoke to her son in 2016 when he informed her of his plans to study the Islamic religion in Mogadishu.

Out of touch

According to Mrs Abdalla, she saw her son's photograph which was circulating on various media platforms but police said they needed to find an ally to corroborate her story.

Appearing before a judge at the Milimani Law Courts, Mrs Abdalla appeared before the Magistrate with three others.

The others were Muktar Ibrahim, an Imam from Mandera, Isaak Hussein, an Ethiopian who claimed to be his student, and George Ndung'u.

Ongoing probe

Ndung'u was detained for 10 days while the other three were slapped with 30-day detention.

Police believe that Ibrahim ferried one of the terrorists from Mandera and also accused him of recruiting youths to join Al Shabaab.

Al Shabaab terrorists entering Dusit Hotel Complex Pulse Live Kenya

Anti-terror police Inspector Monica Githaiga told the court that Ibrahim will be crucial to the ongoing investigation as they expect him to narrow down on the identity of the attackers.

The attack which happened a week ago claimed the lives of 21 people with others still undergoing treatment in hospital.

Mumbi Mutuko