A woman has been arrested in Mombasa on suspicion of plotting a terror attack.
Hamida Awadh was arrested during a police raid at her house in Kibokoni, Old town.
She has reportedly been on the police watch list and is allegedly a close ally of terror suspect Abdulqadir Omar.
Anti-terror police also confiscated electronics suspected to be used to radicalise young girls to join militia groups such as al Shabaab.
Awadh’s family has protested against the arrest saying she has no links to terror activities.
“My sister is very innocent. She has nothing to do with terrorism and in fact she is ailing,” said Fathiya Mbara, a sister.
An officer who sought anonymity said they are searching for accomplices in neighbouring counties.
“We are still interrogating her. Terrorism is a broad aspect where you can’t get answers within a day. But we highly suspect she was plotting a terror attack and she has recruited girls who have joined al Shabaab,” the officer added.
Regional police commander Larry Kieng said Awadh is cooperating with investigators.
