By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, June 03, 2026 - The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has secured the conviction of three men accused of escaping from Kamiti Maximum Security Prison in 2021, in a landmark terrorism case that prosecutors say reinforces Kenya’s commitment to combating terrorism and protecting national security.
Musharaf Abdala, Mohamed Ali Abikar and Joseph Juma Odhiambo were found guilty by the Kahawa Anti-Terrorism Court after the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The three had been charged with committing a terrorist act contrary to Section 4(1) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2012, following their dramatic escape from lawful custody at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison in Nairobi.
According to evidence presented in court, the convicts knowingly escaped from the prison on the night of November 14, 2021, and the morning of November 15, 2021, an act that the prosecution argued prejudiced national security.
The case was prosecuted by Principal Prosecution Counsel James Muchirah, who led a team that called 10 witnesses during the trial. The witnesses provided testimony and evidence linking the accused to the offence and establishing the legal elements required for conviction.
In his judgment, Principal Magistrate Gideon Kiage found the three guilty and directed that the matter be mentioned on June 18, 2026, for sentencing proceedings.
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The ODPP welcomed the ruling, describing it as a major milestone in the fight against terrorism and a demonstration of the justice system’s resolve to hold offenders accountable.
“The conviction marks a significant success for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in its continued efforts to combat terrorism, uphold the rule of law, and protect the security of the country by ensuring that offenders are brought to justice,” the ODPP said in a statement.
The Kamiti prison escape in November 2021 sparked a nationwide security operation and raised concerns over prison security, with authorities treating the incident as a serious threat to national security.
The latest conviction is expected to strengthen efforts by security and justice agencies to deter terrorism-related crimes and reinforce public confidence in the country’s counter-terrorism framework.