A Siaya court has sentenced a man to 20 years in prison for his involvement in terrorist activities, in violation of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2022.
Senior Principal Magistrate Lester Simiyu of the Siaya Law Court convicted George Oluoch Awiti, also known as Abdul Bnajib Mohamed, on multiple charges, including membership in a terrorist group, gathering terrorism-related information, and possessing items linked to terrorist acts.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) announced on Thursday that the sentencing followed a robust case presented by its legal team.
“The prosecution, led by Soita Evans China, provided compelling evidence, including testimonies from three key witnesses and forensic analysis of Awiti’s mobile phone, SIM card, and a compact disk containing extremist material,” the ODPP stated.
The evidence included audio and video recordings depicting figures like Aboud Rogo and Osama Bin Laden as martyrs, while promoting jihad in Somalia and inciting disobedience against the Kenyan government. The extremist materials also promised rewards for those engaging in jihad and encouraged patience among prisoners.
“After reviewing the evidence and submissions, Justice Simiyu found Awiti guilty on all counts,” the ODPP said.
Awiti was sentenced to 10 years for membership in a terrorist group, 10 years for gathering information, and 10 years for possessing related items. The sentences for the second and third counts will run concurrently, resulting in a total of 20 years of imprisonment.