Suspected drugs barons re-arrested minutes after court release

Four suspected drug barons were on Thursday, March 3 re-arrested by police officers shortly after they were released by Shanzu Court in Mombasa.

Officers pounced on Nabil Ahmed, Bakari Kali, Lilian Bernard and Stephen Mangira as they left the courtroom, bundled them into waiting cars and sped off leaving their lawyers Cliff Ombeta and Jared Magolo baffled.

This was just moments after Shanzu Court Principal Magistrate, Diana Mochache, had just ordered their release after prosecution failed to charge them.

Prosecution had earlier on requested 21 more days for police to conclude probe before charging them.

The four suspects include two Tanzanians- Kali and Lilian and together with Mangira were allegedly found with 18 million shillings in cash and Swaleh was allegedly nabbed with 15kg of heroin.

The war against drugs at the Kenyan coast has garnered momentum with mixed reaction from across the political divide.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto on their numerous trips to the coast have reiterated government’s commitment to eradicating drugs in the coastal region.