DPP secures additional 15-year terms for three terror convicts who escaped from Kamiti prison

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has extended the prison terms of three terror convicts who escaped from Kamiti Maximum Security Prison. Principal Magistrate Gideon Kiage sentenced Musharaf Abdala, Mohamed Ali Abikar, and Joseph Juma Odhiambo to an additional 15 years each after they had completed their original sentences.

The exception is Abdala, whose term started from his acquittal by the High Court. The convicts were convicted for a terrorist act in violation of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA). The escape occurred on November 14th and 15th, 2021, as they fled from lawful custody at Kamiti Prison, posing a threat to national security. The court observed that the convicts did not split up upon escaping, which would have reduced their chances of being detected.

After the escape, the convicts traveled by motorcycle, public service vehicles, and informal routes to Kitui and then to Endao, where they walked to avoid detection. Odhiambo, who had previously been convicted for traveling to a terrorist-designated country, was ordered to serve the extra 15 years after completing his current sentence.

Abikar, who had a cumulative 41-year sentence for the 2015 Garissa University attack, will serve the additional 15 years after serving the 41-year term. Abdala, who was previously sentenced to 22 years before being acquitted on appeal, was ordered to serve 15 more years from his acquittal.