Two men connected to the devastating 2019 Dusit D2 terror attack in Nairobi have been sentenced to 30 years in prison, marking a major milestone in one of Kenya’s most extensive anti-terror investigations.
Mohamed Abdi Ali, a 61-year-old madrassa teacher, and his 22-year-old co-accused, Hussein Mohamed Abdille Ali, faced sentencing at the Kahawa Anti-Terror Court after being found guilty of aiding the assault that claimed 21 lives and injured dozens more.
Justice Diana Kavedza, delivering the verdict on Thursday, stated that the prosecution had firmly established the guilt of both men beyond a reasonable doubt. The sentencing reflects the gravity of their crimes and the long-lasting impact the attack had on victims, families, and the nation.
Mohamed Abdi Ali received a 30-year prison term 15 years for each of 14 counts of facilitating a terrorist act (to run concurrently), and another 15 years for conspiring to commit a terrorist offence. For Hussein Mohamed Abdille Ali, the court handed down 15 years for conspiracy and another 15 for facilitating a terrorist act, with the sentences to run consecutively, totaling 30 years behind bars.
The prosecution, led by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), pushed for the maximum penalty, highlighting the immense suffering triggered by the attack. A victim impact report shared with the court painted a painful picture: one survivor still carries bullets lodged in his body, facing persistent health challenges and overwhelming medical expenses.
The emotional toll was underscored by the testimony of American citizen Joseph Spindler, father of Jason Spindler one of the victims. His heart-wrenching account captured the senseless loss felt by families left behind.
Beyond the personal tragedies, the ripple effects of the attack disrupted entire livelihoods. Once a bustling hub, the Dusit D2 complex saw its occupancy plunge from full capacity to just over half, while daily foot traffic nosedived from 2,500 visitors to around 200.
Justice Kavedza acknowledged the collective trauma Kenyans endured and the bravery of those who lived through the chaos, those still healing from physical and emotional wounds, and the families trying to rebuild. “This judgment,” she said, “is for the survivors for those seeking closure after unimaginable pain.”
She also emphasized the significance of the investigative effort that followed the attack, describing it as one of the most robust counter-terror operations in the country’s history. Authorities traced not just the attackers but also the broader network of enablers, funders, and coordinators who helped bring the deadly plan to life.
With the ruling now in place, the long path to justice for the victims of January 15, 2019, has reached a critical turning point.
