A Turkish national and registered refugee in Kenya was released on a Sh1 million personal bond after he was arrested on terrorism-related allegations.
A court ordered his release on Tuesday.
Investigators said substantial digital evidence was extracted from Ahmet Mustafa Gungor’s devices and he must report weekly to the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) for four weeks.
His passport and refugee card were surrendered, with the case set for mention on February 3, 2026.
This came as human rights organisations condemned the arrest, warning that Turkish authorities must not pressure Kenya into targeting political dissidents under the guise of security cooperation.
They feel Kenya was being used by Turkey to get information from perceived political opponents.
“Ten days ago, Mustafa Gungor was arrested by the police, but it wasn’t at the request of the Turkish government. The Kenyan government, through a document called a cooperation agreement, was asked to detain him and ask certain questions regarding a post he allegedly made in 2018.””As his counsel, we advised him that there was nothing he could answer. He is not a member of any terrorist organisation, does not train anyone, and was formerly a teacher. He is now a consultant in the education sector,” stated Mustafa’s advocate, James Omanga.
Amnesty International Kenya CEO Houghton Irungu said the case recalls past incidents where Turkish refugees in Kenya have been arbitrarily detained with the possibility of being returned to Turkey under the pretext of terrorism.
“I believe Kenya should respect United Nations laws so that refugees in Kenya can be protected here.
If there are any issues, they should be addressed here in Kenya rather than extraditing someone to face consequences in their home country,” added Hassan Kinyuwa, chair of Peace League Africa.
Gungor, who is a teacher was arrested in the early hours of December 21, 2025, at the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Nairobi Terminus shortly after arriving from Mombasa.
According to court documents, ATPU officers acted on reasonable suspicion that the suspect was involved in terrorism-related activities with both local and transnational dimensions.
Following the arrest at about 12.05 a.m., the suspect was escorted to ATPU Headquarters in Nairobi, where he was formally booked under Occurrence Book number 02/21/12/2025.
However, Amnesty International – Kenya argued that the accused is a refugee seeking safety in Kenya.
“Teacher, father of two, (who) is a refugee protected by international law and has been a 15 year resident. He is not a flight risk and has committed no crime,” Amnesty said.
Investigators told the court that the arrest was triggered by a Mutual Legal Assistance request from the Government of the Republic of Türkiye, which is pursuing terrorism-related charges against Gungor before the Kahramanmaras Second High Court.
The request sought Kenya’s cooperation in recording statements and gathering evidential material linked to the case.
Upon receipt of the request, Kenyan authorities commenced parallel investigations to establish the suspect’s activities, associations and possible involvement in terrorism-related offences within the Republic of Kenya, citing the seriousness and cross-border nature of the allegations and their potential national security implications.
At the time of arrest, police say they recovered several items from the suspect, including an iPhone 15 mobile phone fitted with a Safaricom SIM card, a Kenyan Urban Refugee Identity Card and proof of refugee registration.
ATPU informed the court that the electronic devices are believed to contain crucial evidence relating to terrorist recruitment, financing, facilitation and propaganda, and therefore require specialised forensic examination.
The DCI also sought court orders authorising ATPU officers to search the suspect’s residence in Kileleshwa, open and access electronic storage devices and security safes, and seize any documents or items relevant to the ongoing investigations.
In opposing the suspect’s release on bail, investigators described him as a flight risk, noting that he is a foreign national with transnational connections and lacks permanent ties within Kenya.
They further argued that the seriousness of the offences under investigation and the severe penalties prescribed by law increase the likelihood that the suspect may abscond if released.
According to ATPU, investigations conducted so far have established that the suspect maintains operational links and communication channels with extremist networks, some of whose members are still at large.
The offences under investigation include financing of terrorism, recruitment of persons into terrorist organisations, membership in a terrorist group and collection of information for terrorist purposes, all contrary to the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2012.
The State told the court that the alleged offences pose a serious and continuing threat to national security, public safety and public order, and justified the request for additional time to complete investigations without interference.
Principal Magistrate Gideon Kiage made the ruling to release him.
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