The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has secured the conviction of three individuals linked to a terrorism-related case following their escape from Kamiti Maximum Security Prison in November 2021.
In a statement, the ODPP said the three were found guilty by the Kahawa Anti-Terrorism Court after the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
“The three convicts were found guilty by the Kahawa Anti-Terrorism Court after the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt,” the ODPP said.
According to court proceedings, the three were charged under Section 4(1) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2012, for committing a terrorist act. The prosecution argued that their escape from lawful custody prejudiced national security and posed a significant threat to public safety.
The court heard that on the night of November 14, 2021, and the morning of November 15, 2021, the accused knowingly escaped from Kamiti Maximum Security Prison in Nairobi County, where they were being held on terrorism-related offences.
Led by Principal Prosecution Counsel James Muchirah, the prosecution presented evidence linking each of the accused persons to the offence and established all the legal elements required to secure a conviction.
“The prosecution adduced compelling evidence and successfully demonstrated the role played by each of the accused persons in the commission of the offence,” the ODPP stated.
During the trial, the prosecution called 10 witnesses whose testimonies and documentary evidence helped the court arrive at a guilty verdict.
The convictions come months after the High Court found three Kamiti prison wardens guilty of facilitating the inmates’ escape.
The officers were convicted of neglect of official duty, aiding prisoners to escape, and organising a meeting in support of a terrorist group. Evidence presented in court showed that the escape involved coordinated movements within the prison, which the officers allegedly facilitated or allowed, enabling the planning and execution of the breakout.
The dramatic prison escape in November 2021 triggered a nationwide security operation, with authorities launching an intensive manhunt for the fugitives.
The three escapees were recaptured two days later in Kitui County after members of the public alerted authorities about suspicious individuals seen in the area.
In his ruling, Principal Magistrate Gideon Kiage convicted the three accused persons and directed that the matter be mentioned on June 18, 2026, for sentencing proceedings.
The ODPP welcomed the verdict, describing it as a significant milestone in the fight against terrorism and a demonstration of the justice system’s commitment to safeguarding national security.
“This conviction underscores the commitment of the criminal justice system to holding accountable individuals whose actions threaten the security and stability of the country,” the prosecution said.
The sentencing hearing is expected to determine the punishment the three convicts will face following their conviction on terrorism-related charges.
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