NAIROBI, Kenya – Three terror suspects who escaped from Kamiti Maximum Prison have been handed additional 15-year prison sentences after a court found that they worked together to evade recapture and posed a threat to national security.
Principal Magistrate Gideon Kiage delivered the ruling on Friday, August 28, 2026, after determining that the three suspects intended to avoid recapture and remain together following their escape.
The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) said the court found that their conduct after escaping from the prison raised concerns about their intentions.
Mohamed Ali Abikar and Joseph Juma Odhiambo were each sentenced to 15 years in prison, to be served after completion of their existing sentences.
However, the court issued a different order for Musharaf Abdala.
“Principal Magistrate Gideon Kiage sentenced them to serve 15 years’ imprisonment each upon completion of their existing sentences, except Abdala, whose term was ordered to run from the date of his acquittal by the High Court,” the DPP said.
Court questions suspects’ decision to remain together
The three suspects had been charged with committing a terrorist act contrary to Section 4(1) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA).
In determining the case, Magistrate Kiage questioned why the suspects remained together after escaping if their only objective had been to avoid arrest.
The court noted that separating would arguably have made it more difficult for authorities to track them.
“If their only intention was to flee and evade re-capture, it would have made more sense to split up and go in different directions. This would have reduced their chances of detection,” the court ruled.
The finding formed part of the court’s reasoning in determining that the suspects had acted together after escaping.
Abikar linked to Garissa University attack
Abikar was already serving a 41-year prison sentence following his conviction in connection with the 2015 Garissa University attack, in which 148 people were killed.
His new 15-year sentence will take effect after completion of the existing term.
Odhiambo was serving a 15-year sentence after being convicted in Mandera of offences relating to travelling to a country designated as a terrorist destination.
He was also convicted of failing to report his departure and leaving Kenya through a non-designated border point.
Abdala’s sentence to run from acquittal date
Abdala’s case differs from those of the other two suspects.
He had previously been sentenced to 22 years in prison, but the High Court later acquitted him and overturned that sentence.
As a result, the magistrate ordered that the fresh 15-year sentence would run from the date of his acquittal by the High Court.
This means Abdala will serve the newly imposed sentence rather than having it added to the previous 22-year term.
Kamiti escape triggered security operation
The three suspects were among inmates who escaped from Kamiti Maximum Prison, prompting a major security operation and a subsequent investigation into how they managed to leave the facility.
Their case has continued to draw attention because of their links to terrorism-related offences and concerns over the potential security implications of their escape.
The latest ruling adds another layer to their existing legal cases, with the court imposing additional custodial sentences based on their conduct following the prison break.
Ruto highlights emerging security threats
The ruling came on the same day President William Ruto spoke about the changing nature of crime during the graduation ceremony for police recruits at the National Police College in Kiganjo.
Ruto said security agencies must strengthen their capabilities and cooperation to respond to emerging threats.
He identified terrorism, cybercrime, financial fraud, human trafficking, organised crime and technology-enabled violence among the challenges requiring enhanced policing capabilities and intelligence.
The President said modern policing should not be measured only by the number of arrests made, but also by crimes prevented, lives protected and public confidence in security institutions.
