A prominent Mombasa-based lawyer is among 22 suspects arrested in a sweeping counter-terrorism operation targeting financiers, recruiters, and facilitators of terrorism across the country.
Andrew Chacha Mwita was arrested on Friday, November 14, 2025, following a sting operation conducted by the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) in coordinated raids across Mombasa, Nairobi, Kapseret, Marsabit, and Moyale.
Authorities say Mwita is suspected of financing terrorism, with investigators linking him to transactions and networks believed to support extremist activities. He was presented before the Kahawa Law Courts on Monday, where detectives sought a 20-day custodial order to complete investigations. A ruling is expected on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
The arrest is part of an intensified national crackdown aimed at dismantling terror support systems, a move the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) says is long overdue.
More Suspects in Court
Several other suspects arrested in Nairobi — Richard Muriuki Murimi, Said Galgalo Duba, Ali Mohamed, and Dhalha Abdi Mohamed — are also facing custodial applications. Their hearing was deferred to today, November 18.
In Kapseret, detectives tracked down and arrested Anthony Odhiambo Odwuor, whose custodial application ruling is set for November 25.
Meanwhile, in Mombasa, the courts will rule on November 26 on a 20-day custodial request for Miriam Ali Abdalla and Aisha Abdullahi.
Marsabit Sweep Produces Multiple Arrests
A major part of the operation unfolded in Marsabit County, where ATPU officers arrested seven suspects believed to be part of a broader network enabling terror activities in the northern region.
Those arrested include:
- Fatuma Yabalo Guyo
- Jilo Arafti Halake
- Ajirena Halake Sora
- Safia Ture Bidu
- Kabale Duba Ali
- Abdisalam Hassan Charfi
Investigators have sought 30 days to detain the group as they analyze intelligence, digital devices, and financial trails.
Hearings for the remaining seven suspects in the case continue today at the Kahawa Law Courts.
DCI: We’re Not Relenting
The DCI, through a statement on Tuesday, November 18, emphasized its commitment to rooting out terrorist networks.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations remains red-hot in the fight against terrorism and commits to leaving no stone unturned,” the agency said, urging the public to share information anonymously.
Kenyans were encouraged to report suspicious activities through the #FichuaKwaDCI hotline (0800 722 203) or WhatsApp (0709 570 000).
The sweeping arrests come amid increased coordination between intelligence agencies, ATPU, and local communities, signaling a tougher, more aggressive phase in Kenya’s counter-terrorism efforts.
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