Garissa University Attackers Get Reduced Sentences on Appeal
On March 24th, Justice Cecilia Githua reviewed the sentence of two individuals, Hassan Edin Hassan and Mohammed Abdi Abikar, who had been convicted of participating in the 2015 terrorist attack at Garissa University in Kenya.
The two had originally been sentenced to serve 41 years in prison, but this was revised to 26 years after a successful appeal.
Although Justice Githua upheld the count that the two had participated in a terrorist act that resulted in the deaths of 148 students, she was not fully convinced by the evidence provided by prosecutors linking the suspects to the outlawed al Shabaab militia.
Nevertheless, she was satisfied that both individuals had been part of the planned attack and were among the perpetrators.
Justice Githua emphasized that terrorism is a serious crime that not only has devastating effects on its victims but also poses a threat to national and global peace and security.
She noted that the actions or inactions of Edin and Abikar indirectly contributed to the violence that took place at Garissa University, which was premeditated to cause maximum casualties.
It is worth noting that Edin and Abikar had maintained their innocence since their conviction in 2019. While their sentence was reduced on appeal, they will still serve a lengthy prison term for their role in the attack.
The Garissa University attack was a tragic event that shook Kenya and the world, and Justice Githua’s ruling serves as a reminder of the severity of terrorism and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Garissa University Attackers Get Reduced Sentences on Appeal
