Three suspected Al-Shabaab members from Somalia and Kenya were recently arraigned in court and charged with terrorism.
In a statement, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) revealed that the three, along with others, had conspired to commit a terrorist act during February this year—an attempt that was thwarted.
The act involved the kidnapping of a foreign national on Kenyan soil in the North Eastern region, in Mandera.
“Three men have been charged at the Kahawa Law Courts with conspiracy to commit a terrorist act,” the DPP stated.
“The court heard that the Somali national, along with two Kenyans, conspired, on or before 18 February 2025, with others not before the court, to kidnap a foreign national working in Mandera town,” the DPP further revealed.
The trio pleaded not guilty to the charges. Aside from the terrorism charges, the two Kenyans were also charged with facilitating the Somali national to fraudulently apply for a Kenyan identity.
The two Kenyans almost succeeded, as it resulted in the Somali national obtaining an acknowledgment of registration card. However, they pleaded not guilty to the charge. For this, the Somali national was charged with attempting to obtain a Kenyan identity card under false pretences, to which he pleaded guilty and was convicted. He is set for sentencing on April 4.
Meanwhile, one of the Kenyans was also charged with allegedly providing false information to a public servant. During the proceedings, the prosecution opposed the release of the accused on bail.
As a result, the three were remanded at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison as they await the bond ruling on April 4. A pre-bail report is set to be prepared.
The latest comes as the country is reeling from increased terror activity, especially in the highly volatile North Eastern region, from suspected Al-Shabaab militants.
Suspected Al-Shabaab terrorists recently attacked a police camp in Garissa, killing six officers.
This has prompted the United States to issue advisories to its citizens, warning them against travelling to or restricting movement within the region due to rising insecurity.
