Three Kamiti Prison Escapees Handed Additional 15 Years Behind Bars

Three terror convicts who escaped from Kamiti Maximum Security Prison in a daring 2021 jailbreak have each been handed an additional 15-year prison term, adding fresh years behind bars to their troubled journey with the law.

The trio: Musharaf Abdala, Mohamed Ali Abikar and Joseph Juma Odhiambo, were sentenced yesterday August 28, 2026, by Principal Magistrate Gideon Kiage at the Kahawa Law Courts after being convicted on June 18, 2026, of committing a terrorist act contrary to Section 4(1) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2012.

The court heard that the three escaped from lawful custody at Kamiti on the night of November 14 and the morning of November 15, 2021, before embarking on a desperate flight from justice.

After escaping from Kamiti, the three travelled by motorcycle and public service vehicles to Kitui town, then proceeded to Endao by vehicle. From Endao, they trekked on foot through informal routes to avoid detection.

Their freedom, however, was short-lived, as detectives eventually caught up with the escapees and brought them back into custody to face the law.

Odhiambo, who was serving a 15-year prison sentence at the time of the escape, had previously been convicted in Mandera of offences relating to travelling to a terrorist-designated country, failing to report his departure and leaving Kenya through a non-designated border point. His additional 15-year sentence will commence after completion of the existing 15-year term.

Abikar, meanwhile, was serving a cumulative 41-year sentence following his conviction at the Milimani Law Courts in connection with the 2015 Garissa University terror attack, in which 148 people were killed. His additional 15 years will take effect after completion of the 41-year sentence.

Abdala, who had previously been sentenced to 22 years’ imprisonment before being acquitted on appeal by the High Court, has now been handed 15 years. His new sentence will run from the date of his acquittal by the High Court.

Through its Counter Terrorism Bureau and in close collaboration with other security and justice sector agencies, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) remains steadfast in trailing down terror suspects, dismantling terrorist networks and ensuring that those who threaten the safety and security of Kenyans are brought to justice.

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