Over 200 Suspected Members Of MRC Arrested

Over 200 Suspected Members of MRC Arrested

Police in Mombasa on Tuesday, December 1 arrested over 200 suspected members of the Mombasa Republican Council (MRC).

Confirming the arrests, Coast Regional Commissioner John Elungata stated that the suspects were arrested in Mirironi village, Jomvu Sub-County.

The suspects are said to have gathered there for an ‘oath administering ceremony.’

The regional commission added that the group has been linked to criminal activities in different parts of the Coast region.

“The suspects have been taken to various police stations within Mombasa County for further action,” Elungata said.

Among those arrested was their leader, identified as Ambari Seda, who had earlier been arrested for a similar offence.

He is reported to have jumped bail on a similar offence at Rabai Police Station and had a warrant of arrest issued against him.

There have been reports of the group’s reemergence with police noting that it had secretly been recruiting members in Tana River County.

According to Tana River Deputy Commander Peter Munyoki, the illegal group was believed to be operating in towns in Kilifi and Mombasa counties.

“We are aware that MRC is recruiting in Mikinduni village and we are tracking down that path. We shall arrest the major perpetrators in no time,” Munyoki stated.

The separatist group has been advocating for the seccession of the coastal region from the rest of Kenya and was declared illegal by the government after their activities were linked to the Somali terror group Al Shabaab.

The group has mostly been said to be active in Rabai, Kilifi County.