NAIROBI, Kenya — A Kahawa law court has sentenced a Somali national to 10 years’ imprisonment after finding him guilty of multiple terrorism-related offences linked to the outlawed group Al-Shabaab.
The conviction was secured by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which presented four witnesses in the case against Abdikarim Hassanow Hassan, also known as Ali.
In his ruling, Senior Principal Magistrate Boaz Ombewa said the prosecution had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt across all counts.
“I make a finding that the prosecution established a troubling narrative of facilitation, ideology, and preparation,” Ombewa ruled, adding that the accused played a central role as “author, financier, recruiter, or radicaliser.”
The court heard that Hassanow was a member of Al-Shabaab and had organised meetings in support of the group, contrary to Kenyan law. He was also convicted on charges of radicalisation, recruitment, facilitation of recruitment, and financing travel for terrorism purposes.
Each count attracted a 10-year sentence, but the court ordered that the terms run concurrently, meaning he will serve a total of 10 years in prison.
According to the prosecution, led by Kennedy Amwayi, the offences were committed on or before April 2, 2024, in Kehancha Township, Migori County. The accused was found to have orchestrated the recruitment and radicalisation of a minor, luring the victim with promises of financial gain, military training, and religious reward.
The court further heard that Hassanow facilitated the minor’s attempted journey to Somalia to join the militant group, providing logistical support, travel routes, and financial assistance.
Magistrate Ombewa found the victim’s testimony credible and consistent, establishing a clear pattern of indoctrination and preparation for terrorism-related activities.
Al-Shabaab was designated a terrorist organisation in Kenya under Gazette Notice No. 12585 of 2010, and membership or support for the group is criminalised under anti-terrorism laws.
The ODPP said the case reflects its commitment to holding individuals accountable for terrorism-related offences and safeguarding national security through evidence-based prosecutions.
