Police in Mombasa have been granted 21 days to continue holding two individuals suspected of luring young people into joining terrorist groups in Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The duo, Hussein Yusuf Mrafi and Ali Mwalimu Mwinyi were accused of alleged involvement in recruiting for ISIS and al-Shabaab.
They were arraigned before a Mombasa Magistrate Court on Thursday, April 11, 2024.
The charges levelled against them include the offence of recruiting members for a terrorist group, contrary to Section 13 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act No. 30 of 2012.
According to detectives handling the case, Mrafi (27- years -old) and Mwinyi (21), may be part of a network operating in the Likoni sub-county, Mombasa County, enticing youths to join terrorist organizations in Somalia and DRC.
It was revealed before the court that the suspects exploited the teachings of the late controversial Mombasa preacher, Sheikh Aboud Rogo, to radicalize individuals into joining the terror fold.
Rogo, who was accused of being an extremist preacher and al-Shabab recruiter, was killed on August 27, 2012, along the Mombasa-Malindi road by unknown assailants.
Furthermore, the court was informed that that the two suspects have connections with individuals who have already joined al-Shabaab, allegedly influenced by the radical teachings they encountered, through online platforms, featuring Aboud Rogo's speeches.
The investigation officer highlighted the existence of additional individuals still employing Rogo's teachings for radicalization purposes, signalling an ongoing threat.
The investigating officer sought an extension of 30 days to conclude the probe, including forensic analysis of three phones seized from one of the suspects.
In his ruling, Mombasa Senior Resident Magistrate David Odhiambo granted a 21-day extension for the investigation to be completed, scheduling the next hearing on May 7, 2024.
