By Andrew Kariuki
The Kahawa Law Courts have convicted Abdikarim Hassanow Hassan under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2012, in a case prosecutors said revealed a coordinated effort to recruit and radicalise individuals for extremist activities.
According to the prosecution, Hassan was found to have been an active member of Al-Shabaab, a group designated as a terrorist organisation under Kenya Gazette Notice No. 12585 of 2010. The court heard that his activities were part of a broader network aimed at strengthening the group’s operations through local recruitment and ideological influence.
The charges stemmed from events on or before April 2, 2024, at Kehancha Township in Migori County, where the accused was said to have played a key role in advancing the group’s agenda.
The court was told that Hassan targeted a minor, whom he allegedly lured with promises of financial gain, military training and religious incentives. He is said to have gone further to facilitate plans for the minor to travel to Somalia to join the militant group.
Prosecutors presented evidence indicating that the accused provided logistical support, including guidance on travel routes and financial assistance, as part of the recruitment process. They argued that his actions demonstrated a deliberate attempt to groom the minor for involvement in terrorism-related activities.
In its ruling, the court found that the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt, noting that the evidence pointed to a structured effort involving recruitment, radicalisation, and facilitation.
Trial Magistrate Ombewa held that the accused had played multiple roles within the alleged network, including acting as a recruiter and facilitator.
“I find that 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 matter will be mentioned on April 20, 2026, when the court is expected to give directions on sentencing.
