Somali national sentenced to 10 years for terrorism offenses in Kenya
via Tuko2 min read
Abdikarim Hassanow Hassan, also known as Ali, a Somali national, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by Hon Boaz Ombewa of the Kahawa Magistrate鈥檚 court in Kenya. He was found guilty of six terrorism-related charges, each carrying a 10-year sentence, which will be served concurrently, resulting in a maximum sentence of 10 years. The charges included being a member of Al-Shabaab, organizing a meeting in support of a terrorist group, radicalization, recruiting members for a terrorist group, facilitating recruitment, and financing travel for terrorism purposes. Hassan committed these crimes on or before April 2, 2024, in Kehancha Township, Migori County. He was accused of luring a Kenyan minor with promises of financial gain, military training, and religious rewards to join Al-Shabaab, and of facilitating the minor's attempted travel to Somalia for training. The prosecution, led by Kennedy Amwayi, presented evidence and witnesses, including the victim, whose testimony was deemed credible by the court.
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Archbishop Gervas John Nyaisonga of the Archdiocese of Mbeya, Tanzania, has been elected President of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa AMECEA at its 21st Plenary Assembly in Nairobi. The assembly, hosted by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, concluded with a focus on AMECEA's synodal journey with young people, identifying youth as a shared pastoral priority for the next four years. Archbishop Nyaisonga accepted the role with a call for unity, prayer, and a commitment to working with young people across the region. He emphasized that implementing the assembly's resolutions is a shared responsibility among every Episcopal Conference, the AMECEA secretariat, and all baptized members. Nyaisonga highlighted the moving testimonies of young delegates during the assembly, stating that the church owes them a response measured in action. The assembly closed with a renewed commitment to synodality, evangelization, and accompanying young people throughout Eastern Africa.
Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced a plan to establish a specialized Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit, with 2,500 officers from the Nairobi County Inspectorate and the National Police Service undergoing intensive training. The initiative aims to enhance security patrols and rapid response across Nairobi, shifting focus from traffic enforcement. The training will be tailored to the city's unique policing needs, as Nairobi's daytime population exceeds seven million people. Kamukunji Police Station will be transformed into the unit's headquarters, undergoing rehabilitation and expansion. Additionally, Nairobi will implement an integrated citywide CCTV surveillance network linked to a new Traffic Management Centre at City Cabanas, which will serve as the city鈥檚 digital command center, incorporating AI-powered surveillance systems, police monitoring, and automated traffic enforcement. This system will also integrate private CCTV cameras to strengthen crime detection and emergency response. Governor Sakaja mentioned benchmarking visits to New York and London to study modern metropolitan policing models. These reforms are part of a cooperation agreement between the National and county governments to modernize Nairobi鈥檚 security infrastructure and enhance public safety.
Must ReadA video showing Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna confronting armed police officers during the June 2024 demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024 has re-emerged online. The footage, filmed outside parliament on June 25, 2024, captures Sifuna approaching officers who were firing at anti-Finance Bill protesters as youths stormed the building. Sifuna, visibly agitated, moved towards the officers and urged them to stop shooting. Security personnel pushed the senator back, but he continued engaging them and advocating for a ceasefire. Fellow political leaders attempted to hold him back, but Sifuna, also a practicing lawyer, refused to retreat. At one point, gunshots were audible nearby, and he flinched but did not withdraw. The clip has circulated anew during Sifuna's homecoming in Bungoma county as he seeks a leading position in Western Kenya politics. Kenyans sharing the video have praised his actions, citing it as evidence of his willingness to stand up for citizens under dangerous conditions, and using it to amplify calls for him to enter the 2027 presidential race. Sifuna's public standing gained momentum following his removal as ODM secretary general, which led to the Linda Mwananchi movement and its slogan, "Mimi ndio Sifuna," drawing thousands of supporters.