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Category: World News

Written by Brian Otieno

Two foreigners were yesterday arrested at the Moi International Airport minutes after landing from Belgium after causing panic and threatening the safety of passengers aboard the plane. The two Belgians, Ucar Seiuk and Jamal El-Kharbouchi, were accused of smoking on the plane froms Brussels, Belgium to Mombasa.

The two also conducted themselves violently and refused to adhere to instructions from the Jetairfly flight attendants. They were shouting and demanding for beer. "They were acting as if they owned the plane, arguing with the cabin crew who told them to stop smoking as they were endangering our lives. But they simply refused," said one of the passengers.

Upon arrest by the airport police, they were subjected to thorough screening before being escorted to the Mombasa Law Courts. The two appeared before magistrate James Omburah charged with endangering the safety of an aircraft and and the people on board. But they insisted they could not understand English.

However, there was a moment of laughter when El-Kharbouchi quickly changed his mind and told the court that he understands a little English after learning that they would not take plea until a French interpreter is brought on board today.

Meanwhile, another man was charged for attempting to steal a firearm from a police officer in Mombasa. The court heard that Stephen Mulinge Mbithi tried to steal an AK-47 riffle valued at Sh80,000 from Gibson Kuria at Mwembe Tayari. Mbithi is said to have assaulted Kuria while the officer was on duty on October 30. Kuria suffered minor injuries during the incident. He was released on Sh50,000 bond with a surety of the same amount.