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Kenya arrests Muslim Cleric and others with ties to Somali militants
A senior policeman confirmed that Omar had been arrested but did not divulge when or if he would be charged. He asked for anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press.
Mwita, a human rights lawyer, said he had been trying to trace Omar but police refused divulge his whereabouts.
He fears police are planning deport Omar to Somalia since they have not charged him within 24 hours of arrest as required by constitution. Omar’s nationality is unclear, though the U.N. describes him as possibly being Ethiopian. Kenyan authorities have previously illegally and secretly deported both Kenyans and foreigners.
In July, the U.N. Security Council said Omar was subject to a travel ban and asset freeze because he helped lead an informal center that recruited new members and solicited funds for al-Shabaab.
On Monday, al-Shabaab threatened to launch suicide attacks similar to the ones which killed 76 people watching the World Cup final in Uganda last year. Al-Shabaab said that attack was a response to Uganda sending troops to support the weak U.N.-backed government.
Kenya has issued a terror alert and increased security in Nairobi.
Kenya’s President Mwai Kibaki said Thursday the government will pursue al-Shabaab and their sympathizers both in and outside of Kenya. Some officials say the Somali group has its logistical hub in Kenya.
A deputy security minister on Wednesday told parliament that al-Shabaab “is like a big animal with a tail in Somalia. We are still fighting the tail while the head is resting here in Eastleigh.”
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.
