By Dorothy Musyoka
The Kahawa Law Courts have denied bond to three individuals charged with terrorism-related offenses following a fatal attack in Mandera County.
Principal Magistrate Hon. Gideon Kiage ruled in favor of the Prosecution, citing compelling reasons that justified the restriction of the accused persons’ constitutional right to bail.
Led by Senior Principal Prosecution Counsel Duncan Ondimu, OGW, the Prosecution argued that the gravity of the charges and the potential threat to public safety warranted continued detention.
“This is a serious matter which the defence does not deny. Given the nature of the attack and the gravity of the charges, the court finds the prosecution’s concerns valid and grounded in precedent related to this case,” ruled Hon. Kiage.
The suspects Somali national Isaq Cabdi Xasan alias Issack Mohammed and Kenyan nationals Noor Yakub Ali and Yusuf Maalim are accused of conspiring to commit a terrorist act in Mandera town on or before February 18, 2025.
The court was informed that the trio was involved in a retaliatory attack against Kenyan security forces following the arrest of Isaq Cabdi Xasan.
The attack led to the death of one police officer, left another seriously injured, and resulted in the theft of two firearms a significant escalation that has drawn national concern.
“The court was informed that the suspects were involved in an attack against Kenyan security officers following the arrest of one of the accused, Isaq Cabdi Xasan alias Issack Mohammed. During that attack, one police officer lost his life, another sustained serious injury, and two firearms were taken,” stated the ODPP.
The three are also facing charges of being members of the outlawed terrorist group Al-Shabaab.
Two weeks ago, the suspects took a plea before the court. Hon. Kiage had deferred the bond ruling for 30 days to allow the Prosecution to complete disclosures and secure additional evidence for the case.