Siaya: Suspected terrorist handed 20-year jail sentence

A suspected terrorist has been sentenced to 20 years behind bars for partaking in terrorism-related activities in Siaya.

George Oluoch Awiti alias Abdul Najib Mohamed was convicted on multiple charges including being a member of a terrorist organisation, possessing terrorism-related articles and collecting extremist information.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by Soita Evans China, presented three witnesses and submitted compelling evidence linking the suspect to the charges including forensic analysis of Awiti's mobile phone, SIM Card and a compact disk containing extremist material.

"The evidence included audios and videos that portrayed figures such as Aboud Rogo and Osama Bin Laden as martyrs, encouraged jihad in Somalia, and incited disobedience against the Kenyan government. The materials also promised rewards for those engaging in jihad," the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said in a statement on X.

"After reviewing the evidence and submissions, Siaya Law Courts Senior Principal Magistrate Lester Simiyu found Awiti guilty on all counts. He was sentenced to 10 years for Membership in a terrorist group, 10 years for collection of information, and 10 years for possession of related articles.

Awiti will serve the sentences for the second and third counts concurrently.