A Nairobi court has handed Mohammed Abdi Ali, a leader of the Islamic State (ISIS) terror group, a 12-year prison term for orchestrating a significant terror scheme in 2016 involving deadly anthrax bacteria.

Ali, a medical doctor based in Wote, Makueni County, faced charges of membership in a terrorist group, organizing support meetings for terrorists, recruiting members, gathering information for terrorist acts, and possessing materials for such acts. Chief Magistrate Martha Mutuku delivered the verdict on Monday, April 22, 2024, taking into account Ali’s eight years in custody during the trial.

State prosecutor Duncan Ondimu advocated for a 90-year sentence for Ali, emphasizing the gravity of the charges spanning several years and the absence of remorse from the defendant. However, Ali’s defense, represented by lawyer Chacha Mwita, proposed a suspended sentence under probation supervision.

Mwita highlighted Ali’s parents’ regret over their son’s actions and argued that eight years in custody fulfilled objectives of retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation, and restoration.

Ali’s conviction stemmed from evidence of his communication with international terrorist networks through various social media platforms, including Twitter, Gmail, WhatsApp, and Telegram. He was found to have organized meetings in support of terrorism and possessed materials aimed at instigating terrorist acts.

The prosecution revealed Ali’s involvement in a terror network linked to radicalization and recruitment of Kenyan youths, with plans for large-scale anthrax attacks in Kenya. This network, extending to regions within Kenya and other countries like Somalia, Libya, and Syria, allegedly targeted medical students for recruitment.

The sentencing reflects Kenya’s commitment to combat terrorism and uphold the rule of law in the face of evolving security threats.