Senior Counsel Khaminwa offers to house Al-Shabaab terror suspect, protect him from being killed

By , K24 Digital
On Wed, 13 Apr, 2022 11:18 | < 1 min read
Terror suspect Sheik Guyo Gorsa Buru before Miliami Law Courts in Nairobi. PHOTO/Sheila Mutua

State Counsel John Khaminwa has told the court that he is planning to house terror suspect Sheik Guyo Gorsa Buru after he is acquitted by the court to protect him from being killed.

Khaminwa who was absent in court through his lawyer Jacinta Ndanu Martha told Milimani Chief Magistrate to push the reading of the judgement to a later date until he is available to represent the suspect in person.

"Your honour, if you read the ruling at this time, you will put the life of the accused at risk. My senior, Dr John Khaminwa has, therefore, requested this court to suspend the ruling until he is available since he is planning to house the accused once he is released," lawyer Jacinta said.

Khaminwa's client, Buru was arrested on January 13, 2018, at Madarassa Toba within Marsabit town on suspicion that he is a member of Al-Shabaab and was later charged with terrorism-related charges.

During his trials, Buru has on several occasions asked the court to suspend his judgement for fear of being abducted and killed after he is acquitted. 

Through his lawyer John Khaminwa, the Sheik has successfully adjourned the reading of his judgement since November 2021.

Khaminwa had indicated to the trial Magistrate Kennedy Cheruiyot who has since been transferred to Kisumu that the accused is certain he will be acquitted of the offence but he fears that if he is acquitted, he will be abducted and killed by the state.

Magistrate Wendy Micheni who will read the judgement on behalf of the transferred trial magistrate has allowed the application by Khaminwa and ordered the matter to be mentioned in two weeks.