Kenyan Court Jails Somali Man over Al-Shabaab Links

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NAIROBI: A Kenyan court has sentenced a Somali national to multiple prison terms after finding him guilty of involvement with militant group Al-Shabaab, prosecutors said.

Abdikarim Hassanow Hassan, also known as Ali, was convicted by a magistrates’ court in Kahawa following testimony from four prosecution witnesses.

The court handed him 10-year sentences on several counts, including membership of a terrorist group, organizing meetings in support of the group, radicalization, recruitment and facilitating recruitment. He was also sentenced to 10 years for financing travel for terrorism purposes.

Prosecutors said the offences took place in April 2024 in Kehancha Township in Migori County, where the accused was found to be a member of Al-Shabaab, which is banned in Kenya.

The court heard that Hassanow recruited and radicalized a minor, allegedly luring the individual with promises of financial gain, military training and religious reward. He also facilitated the minor’s attempted travel to Somalia, providing guidance and financial support, prosecutors said.

In its ruling, the court said the evidence demonstrated a pattern of recruitment, indoctrination and logistical support for terrorism-related activities, concluding that the accused was guilty on all counts.

Kenya has faced repeated security threats from Al-Shabaab, which is based in neighboring Somalia, prompting authorities to step up counter-terrorism measures and prosecutions in recent years.