A 26-year-old man said to have confessed of being a radicalised al-Shabaab militant was on Wednesday remanded by a Nakuru court.
Thomas Mugendi alias Mohammed Hussein Ali, allegedly attempted committing suicide using a pistol belonging to a Kenya Defence Forces soldier, identified as Smith Kimanzi Njeru on October 18.
Mugendi appeared in court limping as a result of a bullet lodged in his knee after allegedly trying to shoot himself at St Monica Church in Nakuru.
The incident is said to have happened as the church service was ongoing caused much disturbance and disrupted the service.
Mugendi, who had covered his face in court was limping as he walked and could not stand as he appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Liz Gicheha, where he denied the charges.
He was ordered to be escorted for a medical surgery to remove the bullet in the knee after which he will undergo mental assessment and before further interrogation at the Nakuru Central Police Station.
The prosecution said they needed at least three days for the investigations.
Police in Nakuru had earlier told The Standard that Mudendi revealed about his alleged knowledge of recruitment and terror operations of al-Shabaab to Kimanzi who then advised him to go and confess in church.
Reportedly however, the two went on a drinking spree before joining the congregation where Mugendi confessed while shouting and quoting the Quran, causing fear among the worshippers.
It is said Mugendi had spent over 10 years in Mombasa before returning home in Manyani Estate within Nakuru recently. The suspect will appear in court again on October 28.