Three suspects charged with conspiracy to commit terrorism

In a statement shared on X, ODPP said the three Isaq Xasan (Somalian), alias Issack Mohammed, Kenyans Noor Ali and Yusuf Maalim were accused of conspiring, on or before February 18, 2025, to carry out a terrorist act.

"The act involved the kidnapping of a foreign national working at the Sinohydro Corporation Limited Sewerage Construction site in Mandera town," read the statement in part.

Additionally, they were charged with being members of the terrorist group Al-Shabaab after being found to be linked to the outlawed terrorist group on February 21.

They pleaded not guilty to the charge.

While being presented at the Kahawa Law Courts before Principal Magistrate Gideon Kiage on Wednesday, Noor and Yusuf were also jointly charged with helping Xasan to fraudulently apply for a Kenyan identity card on July 3, 2024, in Mandera town. 

They pleaded not guilty.

Isaq was separately charged with attempting to fraudulently obtain a Kenyan ID, pleading guilty and was convicted.

"Prosecution sought the maximum sentence for the two counts for which Isaq was convicted. The court reserved sentencing for 4th April 2025," ODPP added.

Yusuf was also charged with allegedly providing false information to a public servant and his release on bail was denied.

The court therefore directed that a pre-bail report be prepared and set the bond ruling for April, 4.

Prosecution opposed the release of the accused persons on bail and they were remanded at the Kamiti Maximum Security Prison.