Three terror suspects who escaped from Kamiti prison convicted
via Tuko2 min read
Three terrorism suspects, Musharaf Abdala, Mohamed Ali Abikar, and Joseph Juma Odhiambo, have been convicted for their 2021 escape from Kamiti Maximum Security Prison. Principal Magistrate Gideon Kiage of the Kahawa Anti-Terrorism Court delivered the guilty verdict after the prosecution, led by Principal Prosecution Counsel James Muchirah, successfully proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt. The court determined that the three knowingly committed a terrorist act by escaping from lawful custody on the night of November 14, 2021, from GK Kamiti Maximum Security Prison in Nairobi County, an act that prejudiced national security. They were charged with committing a terrorist act contrary to Section 41 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2012, among other related charges. The prosecution presented 10 witnesses during the trial. The Director of Public Prosecutions confirmed the conviction, stating it fulfills the office’s mandate to safeguard national security and ensure accountability for terrorism-related offenses. The magistrate directed that the matter be mentioned on June 18, 2026, for sentencing proceedings. The trio's escape in 2021 garnered national attention due to their prior links to terror acts. Zarkawi was arrested in 2012 for a failed terror attempt targeting the Parliament building, Abikar for involvement in the 2015 Garissa University attack, and Joseph Juma Adhiambo alias Yusuf in 2019 for attempting to enlist in al-Shabaab. The Directorate of Criminal Investiga
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
Must ReadFollowing a fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru, that resulted in 16 deaths and 79 injuries, several Members of Parliament have advocated for the abolishment of boarding schools. Gilgil MP Martha Wangare highlighted the need for public attention on surveillance systems, fire safety, emergency response, and psychosocial support in schools. Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba and Marakwet East MP Kangogo Bowen cited congestion and negligence as reasons to eliminate boarding institutions. Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo urged collective apology for failing students and noted that teachers are increasingly raising children. Kathiani MP Robert Mbui and nominated legislator Dorothy Ikara called for a commission of inquiry to address the rising cases of unrest and ensure recommendations are implemented. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula instructed the education committee chairperson Julius Melly to investigate these incidents across the country.
Must ReadPresident Donald Trump has nominated veteran diplomat Henry Wooster as the next US ambassador to Kenya, pending Senate approval. Wooster, a career member of the US Senior Foreign Service with the rank of minister-counsellor, brings over three decades of diplomatic and security experience to the role. His previous assignments include serving as Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Haiti and as the United States ambassador to Jordan from 2020 to 2023. He has also held positions as principal deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Deputy Assistant Secretary overseeing the Maghreb and Egypt portfolio, Director for Central Asia at the National Security Council, and foreign policy advisor to the commanding general of the US Joint Special Operations Command. Wooster's diplomatic career has included postings in Iraq, Pakistan, Russia, and NATO headquarters. Before joining the Foreign Service, he was an officer in the US Army. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Amherst College and a Master of Arts degree from Yale University. If confirmed, Wooster will replace former US ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, who concluded her tenure in November 2024. The nomination comes as Kenya and the United States continue to deepen cooperation on trade, security, and regional stability.
Must ReadKenyan newspapers on Wednesday, June 3, focused on several key issues. The Star reported on proposed higher education regulations that could significantly impact universities operating in urban centers, potentially forcing some to relocate or restructure. These draft regulations, from the Ministry of Education and the Commission for University Education, aim to tighten oversight and raise standards, prohibiting campuses near establishments like bars and casinos, and requiring universities to own their land. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba stated these changes are for improving governance and quality. The Daily Nation covered the ongoing court case of nine Form Three students linked to the Utumishi Girls Senior School dormitory fire, which claimed 16 lives. Prosecutors are seeking to detain the students for an additional 30 days for further investigation, citing CCTV footage and pending forensic reports, while defense lawyers argue against prolonged detention for minors. The Standard reported on an Ebola scare in Nairobi after a foreign national was admitted to a hospital with virus-like symptoms. The incident caused tension and attracted media attention, but a senior security officer later confirmed that laboratory tests ruled out Ebola. Taifa Leo detailed the ODM party's plans to overhaul its nomination process and strengthen grassroots operations ahead of the 2027 General Election. ODM officials are set to visit South Africa and Ghana to study successful internal
Must ReadUS doctor Mehmet Oz, an administrator for the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, addressed concerns regarding a US-backed Ebola facility in Kenya. His comments followed questions from American journalists about existing court orders in Kenya that could prevent the establishment or operation of such a facility and the admission of individuals exposed to or infected with the virus. The discussions come amidst a rise in Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. During a White House press briefing, Oz explained that proximity to medical facilities is crucial for treating illnesses like Ebola, likening it to the 'golden hour' in trauma care. He cautioned against transporting patients over long distances without a full medical assessment. Oz also indicated that the US State Department is actively engaged in diplomatic discussions with Kenya and is exploring alternative options, including utilizing existing international facilities and cooperating with allied nations such as the British Army Training Unit Kenya BATUK and German military bases for medical support. The planned Ebola quarantine facility in Laikipia has previously drawn protests and criticism from civil society organizations and opposition leaders.