An al-shabaab convict jailed at Manyani Maximum Security Prison in Voi has filed a lawsuit accusing the centre’s boss of denying him a balanced diet.
In the suit, the convict, Thomas Mwanzia Komo popularly known as Bilal Mohammed, also claimed that the officer, Nicholas Maswai, had denied him the right to appeal the case in Malindi.
The convict, who was sentenced to 12 years by a Garissa court, further claimed that the centre exposed him to torture both physically and psychologically while denying him any communications to his family.
Maswai, however, refuted the claims advising the court to appoint a special team to carry out investigations over the matter.
"For fairness, the court can appoint an independent panel to investigate these claims," stated the commander.
He further clarified that the complainant had been allowed to communicate to his relatives whom he had contacted a record 11 times.
"The applicant is an active member of the terror group. He is reported to be looking for an opportunity to radicalise others," he continued.
Maswai, however, demanded that the court compel the applicant to clarify the nature of his lawsuit whether it was aimed at him as an individual or his capacity at the coastal region.
He is also the Coast Regional Deputy Prison Commander.
The case is set for hearing on January 30, 2019.
