Lawyer Chacha Mwita will remain in police custody for a longer period after a Kahawa Law Court allowed investigators more time to look into terrorism-related accusations against him.
The ruling was delivered by Principal Magistrate Gedion Kiage, who stated that the investigation process must be completed and all evidence presented to the court before Mwita can take a plea.
The magistrate explained that the nature of the charges required thorough scrutiny to ensure the court was properly guided when the time comes for the accused to respond.
Mwita is currently facing at least four charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. These include claims that he offered services and financial support to groups linked to terrorism.
Authorities say these allegations stem from investigations that point to his suspected involvement in a recruitment network within the Coastal region.
According to the prosecution, the network was reportedly aiding young people in joining terrorist organisations, which raised serious concerns for security agencies.
Detectives further allege that Mwita used several mobile phone numbers to receive money from Binance accounts. These accounts are believed to have ties to individuals accused of financing terrorist activities in Kenya and beyond.
Investigators argue that the pattern of transactions and the sources of the funds require detailed analysis before the matter can proceed to the plea stage.
Mwita was arrested on November 14 in Mombasa and later transferred to Nairobi, where he spent the weekend in police custody.
During the court session, Prosecutor James Machirah presented the allegations before Principal Magistrate Kiage, stressing the need for continued detention to protect the integrity of the investigation.
However, Mwita’s defence team strongly dismissed the claims. Advocates Lempaa Soyinka and Ayota Magati insisted that offering legal services to individuals accused of terror offences does not amount to supporting terrorism. They argued that the case appeared to be an effort by the State to intimidate lawyers who represent suspects in sensitive cases.
The defence said that criminalising legal representation would set a dangerous precedent and undermine the rights of accused persons.
The matter will return to court on December 1 for mention, where further directions are expected as investigations progress.
