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A Kenyan software engineer has been charged in a Mombasa court with recruiting and funding fighters for the Somali militant group Al-Shabaab. Prosecutors say the case poses a serious threat to national security, as it involves cross-border recruitment and financial support for terrorism.
The suspect, Alwi Mohamed Shariff, appeared before Shanzu Chief Magistrate Anthony Mwicigi on Monday, where he was accused of sending money and helping coordinate the movement of suspected recruits from Kenya’s coast into Somalia. According to the charge sheet, Shariff allegedly transferred 6,922 shillings (about $46) on June 25 to a man identified as Athurman Ahmed Ali to help him travel from Lamu to Somalia through Moyale, where he was expected to join Al-Shabaab. The money was reportedly sent through Shariff’s registered mobile line to Ali’s number.
During the court session, State Prosecutor Antony Musyoka described the case as complex and ongoing, saying investigations were still uncovering more details about possible networks and accomplices. Musyoka opposed Shariff’s release on bail, arguing that the accused could flee or interfere with witnesses if set free. He added that Shariff, believed to be linked to Al-Shabaab, might pose a danger to national security.
“The accused, being a suspected member of Al-Shabaab, poses a threat to the country’s security as nobody knows his objectives,” Musyoka told the court. “If released, he may not attend court or could interfere with the investigation.”
Inmates gather outside their cells at Shimo la Tewa Prison in Mombasa, Kenya. The maximum-security facility, known for its overcrowded conditions, is currently holding software engineer Alwi Mohamed Shariff, who faces charges of recruiting and funding fighters for the Somali militant group Al-Shabaab. Shariff is to remain in custody at Shimo la Tewa until his next court hearing scheduled for November 10. (Photo by Wendy Stone/Corbis via Getty Images)
Shariff’s lawyer, Yahya Muminni, however, urged the court to release his client on bail, saying he had been detained for 44 days without sufficient evidence. He maintained that the prosecution had failed to prove any connection between Shariff and the militant group, insisting his client was innocent and should be allowed to defend himself while out of custody.
The magistrate ruled that Shariff would remain at Shimo la Tewa Prison until November 10, pending a probation report to determine whether he could be trusted to attend future court sessions. The report will guide the court’s decision on whether to grant bail or keep him in custody until trial.
Shariff has denied all charges and maintained that he has no involvement in any terrorist activities. The case has drawn public interest due to growing concerns about youth recruitment into Al-Shabaab, especially in Kenya’s coastal and northeastern regions. Security agencies say the group continues to exploit vulnerable communities, luring young people with false promises of money and religious purpose before sending them across the border into Somalia for training and combat.
Al-Shabaab, which is linked to al-Qaeda, has carried out numerous deadly attacks in Kenya over the years, including assaults on police stations, buses, and public places. The government continues to tighten surveillance along the border and in coastal areas as part of its efforts to curb radicalization and recruitment.
The case against Shariff is expected to resume once the probation report is filed. Authorities say it could uncover broader links between local recruiters and cross-border networks involved in supporting terrorism in East Africa.