Kenya freezes assets of 13 individuals over terrorism financing links
A teller handles Kenya shilling banknotes and U.S. dollar banknotes inside the cashier's booth at a forex exchange bureau in downtown Nairobi, Kenya, February 16, 2024. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya/File photo
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The designations, announced by the Counter-Financing of Terrorism Inter-Ministerial Committee, require banks and other reporting institutions to immediately freeze the individuals’ assets and cease all financial dealings with them.
The measures prohibit the opening or maintenance of accounts, processing of transactions, or provision of any financial services to the listed persons.
According to the updated domestic sanctions list published on the Financial Reporting Centre (FRC) website, the 13 individuals comprise 10 Kenyan nationals, two Tanzanians and one Ugandan.
Those named are Violet Omwoyo, Juma Ambare, Zakariya Kamal Sufi, Jamal Abdi Mohamed, Abubakar Swalleh, Salehe Minja, Jerumani Koja, Hadija Issack Ali, Abdiweli Dege, Ramadhan Hamisi, Robert Karani, Zuena Machabe and Mohamed Siyat.
Authorities said the sanctions include asset freezes and broad prohibition measures intended to block the designated individuals from accessing or using the formal financial system to facilitate terrorism-related activities.
In a public notice, the government warned individuals and businesses against assisting or facilitating transactions on behalf of sanctioned persons.
It cautioned that providing financial services, holding assets on their behalf, concealing beneficial ownership, or offering commercial cover could attract serious legal consequences.
Such actions, the authorities said, may lead to investigations, seizure of assets and possible arrest under Kenya’s counter-terrorism and anti-money laundering laws.
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