 NAIROBI, Kenya - A top union of Islamic courts (UIC) commander was on Tuesday arrested in Garissa district as hundreds of fleeing refugees from Somalia camped at the border. Conflicting reports indicated that Sheikh Ahmed Sharif Sheikh, believed to be second in command to UIC leader Sheikh Hassan Aweys, was captured in a remote location near Dadaab refugee camp.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that the Islamist commander was arrested at a road block in Damajale location, while heading to the United Nations High Commissioner for refugee camps in Dadaab division.
 Sources claimed that the Islamist leader was fleeing travelling in a tinted Toyota Land Cruiser and was picked by Kenyan authorities and briefly put in custody at the UNHCR sub office. Other reports however alleged that the Islamist leader voluntarily surrendered to Kenyan officials at the border and requested for asylum status through the refugee agency.
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Although Sheikh Sharif reportedly resigned from the command of the defeated UIC, he was perceived to be most influential and powerful member of the militia force. Sharif was also among the 90 members of the Shura council of eminent leaders who acted as the interim parliament of Somalia during the six months the court controlled the anarchic horn of Africa nation. He was also the head of the eight-man decision making committee at the helm of the religious uprising. |