Freed terror suspect Sheikh Guyo Garso, on Saturday, June 4, camped at the Kamiti Maximum Prison for hours pleading with the guards to allow him back at the precinct.
Speaking to the media outside the prison, Guyo cited insecurity reasons, noting that his life was in danger outside the walls of the prison.
He noted that the efforts by his lawyer, John Khaminwa, to request the judge to be allowed more time before his release were futile.
"My lawyer had requested the judge to be allowed time so that I can be provided with security upon my release. Most of the time, the suspects acquitted over terrorism-related charges are abducted and their whereabouts remain a mystery," Garso stated.
Lawyer Khaminwa, who stated that his client was released against his will, pointed out that Garso had been ordered to pay the government Ksh60 to cater for the four-year expenses at the facility.
"The court gave us an order that he should pay Ksh60 for prison expenses," Khaminwa noted.
The lawyer also noted that his client's case raised questions as to the safety of his own life. He affirmed that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure the safety of his client.
"I cannot travel with him in my car because I am afraid that sth could happen to me while I'm with him in the car. On the other hand, I cannot abandon him since he's my client and I have to stick by him. Clearly, I'm in a difficult position as to what should be done, "Khaminwa stated.
Garso, who is a Muslim cleric, was acquitted on May 6, 2022, over terrorism-related charges. He had initially been arrested in 2018 and has been held since at the Kamiti Maximum Prison.
“It is the High Court which is vested with the power to interpret the Constitution, then give orders it deems fit,” the court initially ruled.
During the court proceedings, Khaminwa had urged the judge to consider his client's safety and the potential risk posed to him while outside the Kamiti precinct.
"Your honour, I pray you direct Sheikh Guyo Garso to remain in Kamiti, even after you have declared him a free man. He fears for his life."
"One of the fundamental rights of a citizen is the right to life. I undertake to pay for his subsistence while in Kamiti until further orders are made by the High Court over his right to live," Khaminwa pleaded.
