Man Accused of Supplying Arms to Al Shabaab Granted Ksh.1 Million Bond
A man accused of illegally shipping military equipment and explosives to the Al Shabaab terrorist organization in Somalia was released after posting a Ksh1 million bond.
Zakariya Kamal Sufi Abashiekh is accused of purchasing military equipment for Al Shabaab in China and transporting it to Mogadishu in three containers.
Unknown is the location of the remaining two containers.
After spending over a month in police custody while investigators investigated his role in the shipment of military equipment to Somalia, the suspect was released.
In the case before Senior Shanzu Principal Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda, Zakaria faces multiple charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, including belonging to a terrorist group and providing property for the commission of terrorist acts.
Zakariya was arrested in April at the Mama Ngina Water Front on suspicion that he had purchased and shipped explosives and military equipment to Somalia on behalf of the Al Shabaab terrorist organization.
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Zakariya is accused in an affidavit sworn by the investigating officer, Corporal Gideon Wambua, of purchasing a variety of equipment that he then shipped to Mogadishu. According to reports, the shipment originated in China, where he is believed to have attended school.
Three containers were shipped to Mogadishu, and one was intercepted at the port of entry disguised as regular cargo.
A closer inspection of the shipment revealed an assortment of military equipment, including five high-end drones capable of transporting 10 liters of liquid at 500 meters above sea level, rifle scopes, material rolls for making military uniforms, 3000 meters of canvas for making tents, portable and foldable solar panels, military-grade walkie-talkies, and camouflage suits.
In addition, the shipment included 18 units of night vision goggles, voice recording pens, spy watches, spy glasses, swimming goggles, 20 flashlights with batteries, and military-grade helmets.
Investigators continue to investigate Zakariya’s activities, particularly in light of April-May evidence that he provided Al Shabaab in Somalia with logistical support.
Detectives are also examining the Kenyan’s phone records, M-Pesa, and bank transactions to solve the mystery surrounding his alleged support for Al Shabaab and the whereabouts of the two additional containers he is believed to have shipped to Somalia.
Man Accused of Supplying Arms to Al Shabaab Granted Ksh.1 Million Bond
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