Busia Law Court convicted and sentenced Jackson Kanoti alias Abdul Hakim to 30 years in jail for the offence of collection of information to aid terrorist activities contrary to Section 29 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) and possession of articles connected to terrorism contrary to Section 30 of the same Act.
The prosecution through Kibiwott Kiprono and Ms. Nina Opiyo adduced testimonial and digital evidence that demonstrated that the accused person actively subscribed to social media platforms such as Telegram and Instagram, where he could receive live updates on terrorism attacks and terrorism-related activities around the world.
The evidence also revealed that the accused was a subscriber to terror links, namely ISIS Congo 1, Al-Shabaab, and other terror-affiliated networks. The court also took judicial notice of incriminating materials recovered from the accused’s possession that were utilized for radicalization and recruitment of youth into outlawed terrorist outfits.
Upon careful evaluation of the evidence, Magistrate T.A. Madowo deemed the prosecution’s evidence credible, substantial and consistent, thereby eliminating any reasonable doubt regarding the accused person’s culpability.
“As the nation persists in its unwavering campaign to counter terrorist threats, this legal determination serves as an unequivocal notice that perpetrators of such egregious offenses shall be held criminally culpable.” Said the prosecution in mitigation.
