A Moi University student has been charged with establishing communication with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. The Information and Communication Technology student was arrested in Kizingo on Monday.

According to police, Hassan Kassim was allegedly scheduled to travel to Libya over the long holidays although his specific mission was not clear. ISIS has a strong presence in Iraq, Syria and Libya.

 In a sworn affidavit by state counsel Eugene Wangila, Mr Kassim has been in constant communication with ISIS members in Libya. On Wednesday, the state sought 15 days to detain the suspect to allow police investigate his phone and laptop.

"I do believe the suspect, who is on his long holiday, has contact with ISIS members and is scheduled to travel to Libya over the holidays," said Mr Wangila, adding that Kassim was being sought by ISIS members for his skills in information and technology.