Siaya Law Court’s Senior Principal Magistrate, Hon. Simiyu, has sentenced George Oluoch Awiti, also known as Abdul Bnajib Mohamed, to 20 years in prison for engaging in terrorist activities, violating the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2022.
Awiti faced multiple charges, including membership in a terrorist group, collecting terrorism-related information, and possessing materials associated with terrorist acts. The prosecution, led by Soita Evans China, presented strong evidence, which included testimonies from three key witnesses and forensic analysis of Awiti’s mobile phone, SIM card, and a compact disk containing extremist content.
The materials found on Awiti’s devices included audio and video recordings that glorified figures like Aboud Rogo and Osama Bin Laden as martyrs, promoted jihad in Somalia, and incited defiance against the Kenyan government. The extremist content also promised rewards for those participating in jihad and encouraged patience among those imprisoned.
After careful evaluation of the evidence and submissions, Hon. Simiyu convicted Awiti on all counts. He was handed 10 years for membership in a terrorist group, 10 years for collecting information related to terrorism, and another 10 years for possession of articles linked to terrorism. The sentences for the second and third counts will run concurrently, resulting in a total sentence of 20 years imprisonment for Awiti.