A Kahawa Law Courts magistrate has sentenced a Somali national to 10 years in prison after finding him guilty on multiple terrorism-related charges, including links to the militant group Al-Shabaab.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said Abdikarim Hassanow Hassan, also known as Ali, was convicted following a trial in which the prosecution presented four witnesses to support the case.
The court found that the accused played a central role in recruitment, radicalisation, and facilitation of terrorism activities.
Delivering the judgment, Principal Magistrate Boaz Ombewa ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt across all counts.
The court sentenced Hassanow to 10 years’ imprisonment for being a member of Al-Shabaab and an additional 10 years for organising a meeting in support of the group.
He received separate 10-year sentences for radicalisation, recruiting members, facilitating recruitment, and financing travel for terrorism purposes.
However, the court directed that all sentences run concurrently, effectively 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 prosecution established that Hassanow was an active member of Al-Shabaab, an organisation outlawed in Kenya under Gazette Notice No. 12585 of 2010.
The court further heard that the accused organised meetings aimed at advancing the agenda of the terrorist group, fully aware of the nature and intent of such gatherings.
A key aspect of the case involved the recruitment and radicalisation of a minor. Prosecutors told the court that Hassanow lured the victim with promises of financial rewards, military training, and religious incentives.
He allegedly indoctrinated the minor with extremist ideology and facilitated plans for the child to travel to Somalia to join Al-Shabaab.
Evidence presented showed that the accused provided logistical support, including travel routes and financial assistance, to enable the minor’s attempted journey.
In his ruling, Ombewa noted that the testimony of the minor was both credible and consistent, forming a critical part of the prosecution’s case.
He stated that the evidence demonstrated a clear pattern of ideological influence, planning, and facilitation by the accused.
“I find that the prosecution established a troubling narrative of facilitation, ideological indoctrination, and preparation, and proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused was the author, financier, recruiter, and radicaliser as charged,” the magistrate ruled.
The ODPP, through prosecuting counsel Kennedy Amwayi, maintained that the accused’s actions posed a serious threat to national security, particularly due to the targeting of vulnerable individuals such as minors.
The conviction comes amid continued efforts by Kenyan authorities to combat terrorism and prevent radicalisation, especially in border regions and vulnerable communities.
Security agencies have repeatedly warned of recruitment networks targeting young people with promises of financial gain and ideological persuasion.