Ahmet Mustafa Gungor, a Turkish national and registered refugee living in Kenya, has been released on a personal bond of one million shillings after being arrested over terrorism-related allegations.
Police investigators said they recovered digital evidence from his electronic devices. As part of his release conditions, Gungor must report to the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) once every week for four weeks. Authorities have also taken his passport and refugee identification card. The case will be mentioned again in court on February 3, 2026.
Human rights organisations have strongly criticised his arrest, warning that Kenya should not be used to target political dissidents from Turkey under the cover of security cooperation.
Gungor’s lawyer, James Omanga, said his client was arrested over questions linked to a post allegedly made in 2018. He stressed that Gungor is not a member of any terrorist group, has never trained anyone, and previously worked as a teacher. Omanga added that Gungor is currently an education consultant.
Amnesty International Kenya CEO Houghton Irungu said the case brings back painful memories of earlier incidents where Turkish refugees in Kenya were arrested and faced possible deportation to Turkey on terrorism claims.
Hassan Kinyuwa, the chairperson of Peace League Africa, urged the Kenyan government to respect international and United Nations laws that protect refugees. He said any concerns about refugees should be handled within Kenya and not through extradition to countries where they may face danger or punishment.
The case has renewed debate about refugee protection, human rights, and Kenya’s role in international security agreements.
