DPP Secures Conviction of Somali National Over Al-Shabaab Recruitment Plot

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has secured the conviction of a Somali national linked to the outlawed Al-Shabaab network in a terrorism case.

In a statement dated Thursday, March 19, 2026, the ODPP stated that the conviction involves the radicalisation of a minor.

“The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has secured the conviction of a Somali national linked to the outlawed Al-Shabaab network,” read part of the statement.

DPP Secures Conviction of Al-Shabaab Member

The Kahawa Law Courts found Abdikarim Hassanow Hassan, also known as Ali, guilty on multiple terrorism-related charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2012.

The conviction follows what prosecutors described as a coordinated scheme involving recruitment, indoctrination, and facilitation of terrorist activities.

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According to the court, the accused was, on or before April 2, 2024, operating in Kehancha Township in Migori County, where he actively participated in the activities of Al-Shabaab, a group designated as a terrorist organisation under Kenyan law.

Prosecution Provided Sufficient Evidence to Secure Conviction of the Accused

He was also found to have organised meetings in support of the group, fully aware of its extremist agenda.

The prosecution demonstrated that the accused targeted and radicalised a minor. He allegedly lured the victim with promises of financial rewards, military training, and religious incentives before facilitating plans for the minor’s travel to Somalia to join the militant group.

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The court heard that the accused provided logistical support, including travel routes and financial assistance, in a bid to operationalise the recruitment.

Led by prosecution counsel Kennedy Amwayi, the State presented evidence showing the accused’s central role in grooming the minor for terrorism-related activities. The court found the victim’s testimony credible and consistent, terming it crucial in establishing a pattern of indoctrination and preparation.

In delivering the judgment, Magistrate Ombewa said the prosecution had met the legal threshold of proof beyond a reasonable doubt on all charges.

“I find that the prosecution established a troubling narrative of facilitation, ideological indoctrination, and preparation, and proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused was the author, financier, recruiter, and radicaliser as charged,” the magistrate ruled.

The case will be mentioned on April 20, 2026, when the court is expected to set a date for sentencing.

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