Somali Man Jailed for 10 Years Over Al-Shabaab Links

A Somali national has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after a Kenyan court found him guilty of multiple terrorism related offences which are linked to the Al Shabaab.

Abdikarim Hassanow Hassan, also known as Ali, was convicted by the Kahawa Magistrates’ Court after a prosecution led by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

The court heard testimony from four witnesses who were presented by the state.

Hassan Guilty Of Multiple Offences

In the ruling, the court found Hassan guilty on several counts, including being a member of a terrorist group.

Hassan was organising meetings in support of a terrorist organisation, radicalisation, recruiting members and facilitating recruitment.

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Hassan also financed travel for terrorism purposes.

For each of the offences, the court gave him a 10 year sentence.

Sentences To Be Served Simulataneuosly

However, the Senior Principal Magistrate Boaz Ombewa ordered that all the sentences be served at the same time meaning the convict will serve a total of 10 years in prison.

According to court proceedings, the offences were committed on or before April 2, 2024, in Kehancha Township, Migori County.

The court established that Hassan was an active member of Al-Shabaab, an organisation outlawed in Kenya under Gazette Notice No. 12585 of 2010.

The prosecution which was led by Kennedy Amwayi, told the court that the accused played a central role in the recruitment and radicalisation of a minor.

Hassan Faces More Charges

Hassan reportedly lured the victim with promises of financial gain, military training, and religious rewards.

Further evidence that was presented in court showed that the accused facilitated the minor’s attempted journey from Migori County to Somalia to join the Al Shabaab.

This included providing logistical support, travel routes, and also financial assistance.

Court Ruling

In its judgment, the court found the testimony of the minor to be credible and consistent, noting that it demonstrated a clear pattern of ideological indoctrination and preparation for terrorism related activities.

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“I make a finding that the prosecution established a troubling narrative of facilitation, ideology, and preparation and did prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused was the author, financier, recruiter, or radicaliser as charged in all counts,” ruled Hon. Ombewa.

The court further stated that it had carefully analysed the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defence before arriving to the decision.

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