Sheikh Abubakar Shariff Ahmed, widely known as Makaburi, remains one of the most controversial figures in Kenya’s fight against extremism, nearly a decade after his assassination in Mombasa.
His life, marked by fiery sermons and serious terror-linked allegations, continues to shape debate on radicalisation and state security operations at the Coast.
Makaburi rose to prominence in Mombasa as a preacher at Masjid Musa, a mosque that repeatedly came under scrutiny from security agencies over alleged links to extremist networks.
His influence grew significantly after the 2012 killing of radical cleric Aboud Rogo, with authorities identifying him as one of the key figures who stepped into the vacuum left behind.
International agencies, including the United States and the United Nations, accused Makaburi of supporting Somalia-based militant group al-Shabaab.
He was alleged to have recruited young Kenyans to join the group and to have facilitated extremist activities.
These claims were strongly denied by his allies, who maintained that he was being targeted for his religious views.
Makaburi’s public statements further deepened his notoriety. He openly praised attacks attributed to al-Shabaab, including the 2013 Westgate mall attack in Nairobi, drawing widespread condemnation from government officials and the public.
Security agencies intensified surveillance on him, while he repeatedly accused the state of harassment and intimidation, particularly by the Anti-Terror Police Unit.
His legal battles were ongoing at the time of his death. On April 1, 2014, Makaburi was shot dead by unknown gunmen outside Shanzu Law Courts in Mombasa shortly after attending a court session.
Witnesses reported that attackers in a vehicle opened fire at close range, killing him and another individual.
No arrests were made, and the identities of the assailants remain unknown.
The killing sparked immediate unrest in Mombasa, with protests erupting around Masjid Musa and other parts of the city.
Youth clashed with police, while human rights groups raised concerns over alleged extrajudicial killings in Kenya’s counterterrorism operations.
Makaburi’s death intensified an already polarised national conversation. To critics, he symbolised the threat of radicalisation at the Coast.
To some supporters, he represented a cleric silenced under unclear circumstances.
Years later, his legacy continues to reflect the complex intersection of religion, security policy, and human rights in Kenya.