Editor's Review

Justice Kavedza stated that the prosecution had proved that the two were linked to the January 15, 2019, attack, which claimed 21 lives.


2 suspects accused of aiding the Dusit D2 terror attack have been sentenced to serve a jail term of 30 years each.

The sentence was delivered on Thursday, June 19, by Lady Justice Diana Kavedza against Mohamed Abdi Ali, a 61-year-old madrassa teacher, and 22-year-old Hussein Mohamed Abdille Ali.

Justice Kavedza stated that the prosecution had proved that the two were linked to the January 15, 2019, attack, which claimed 21 lives.

"Mohamed Abdi Ali was sentenced to 15 years for each of 14 charges of Facilitation of a Terrorist act contrary to Section 9A of the Prevention of Terrorism Act which will run concurrently, and an additional sentence of 15 years for the charge of Conspiracy to commit an offence contrary to Section 23(2) as read with 23(4) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2012," ODPP stated.

CCTV footage of the attackers of the Dusit D2 terror attack.

"The court also sentenced a 22-year-old Hussein Mohamed Abdille Ali to serve 15 years’ imprisonment after he was convicted with an offence of Conspiracy to commit an offence and another 15 years for Facilitation of a Terrorist act under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. The sentence will run consecutively."

Justice Kavedza, in her judgment, noted that the attack had affected many Kenyans, further acknowledging that families were also affected after the attack.

She detailed that some of the victims lost their jobs and businesses.

“What followed was one of the most comprehensive counter terrorism investigations in Kenya’s history, as law enforcement agencies pursued not only the attackers’ immediate associates but also financiers, facilitators, and logistical coordinators who enabled the attack," the judge ruled.

The judge also took into account some of the impact statements that were given by families of those who lost their loved ones.

For instance, Joseph Spindler, an American national, narrated how his family was impacted after losing his son during the terror attack.

“Your Honor, I’m not here for revenge but for justice. Under Kenyan law, those who collaborated with terrorists must face the full weight of justice," Spindler noted in his statement.

"Jason was a survivor, a doer, and a visionary. He deserved a future, not a grave marked by the shrapnel from a terrorist’s suicide vest."