In a landmark ruling underscoring Kenya's unwavering commitment to justice and the fight against terrorism, the Kahawa Law Courts have sentenced Hussein Abdille and Mohamed Abdi Ali—found guilty of masterminding the deadly DusitD2 hotel attack—to 30 years in prison each.
The two men were convicted on multiple terror-related charges stemming from the horrific January 15, 2019, assault that shook Nairobi and left 21 people dead, dozens injured, and the nation reeling.
Abdille, identified as a key orchestrator of the attack, was convicted of conspiracy to commit a terrorist act, along with additional charges of aiding and abetting the assault. He received a straight 30-year prison sentence.
His co-conspirator, Mohamed Abdi Ali, faced a heavier legal burden, charged not only with conspiracy but also with 14 separate counts of facilitating terrorist activities. Ali was sentenced to 15 years for conspiracy and an additional 15 years for the facilitation charges, amounting to a cumulative 30-year term.
Delivering the sentence, the judge emphasized the gravity of the crimes and the irreversible impact the attack had on victims, families, and the national psyche. “The court must send a strong message: those who plan and support acts of terror will face the full force of the law,” the judge said.
The sentencing marks a significant milestone for Kenyan law enforcement and counterterrorism agencies, which have worked for years to bring the perpetrators of the DusitD2 attack to justice. Authorities praised the outcome as a testament to the resilience of the judicial process and a warning to those who threaten national security.
The DusitD2 complex, located in Nairobi’s Riverside area, was stormed by heavily armed militants affiliated with the al-Shabaab terror group. The attack lasted nearly 20 hours before security forces regained control. It was one of the most high-profile terror incidents in Kenya since the Westgate Mall siege in 2013.
While many applauded the court's decision, some human rights advocates called for continued vigilance to ensure fair trials for all accused in terror-related cases, underscoring the importance of balancing justice with due process.
As Abdille and Ali begin their three-decade sentences, the ruling serves as a reminder that while the scars of terrorism run deep, so does the nation’s resolve to hold perpetrators accountable.
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