A chilling scene unfolded at Masjid Westlands mosque in Nairobi on a February morning, leaving five worshippers injured and a nation on edge. A man, feigning devotion, shattered the peace of Fajr prayers with a brutal machete attack, locking the mosque’s entrance before unleashing violence upon those inside.
Mohamed Mohamed, a 32-year-old Canadian national also known as Mohamed Abdul Mohamed, now stands accused of orchestrating the terror. He has formally denied nine charges, ranging from committing a terrorist act to unlawful presence within Kenya, entering a not guilty plea before the Kahawa Law Courts.
The attack occurred with startling precision. Investigators report the assailant arrived at the mosque disguised as a worshipper, blending into the early morning congregation. This calculated deception allowed him to isolate and target those present before authorities could intervene.
Police responded swiftly to the unfolding crisis, arresting the suspect at the scene and recovering the weapon used in the assault. The injured were immediately transported to hospitals across Nairobi County, receiving urgent medical attention for their wounds.
A black Toyota Harrier, believed to be the suspect’s vehicle, was discovered at the mosque, providing a crucial piece of evidence. A subsequent search of Mohamed’s residence in Nairobi’s Riverside area unearthed further material evidence, deepening the investigation.
Detectives from multiple agencies, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit, launched a comprehensive investigation. This included meticulous forensic analysis of the mosque, a thorough review of CCTV footage, and a detailed examination of the suspect’s mobile phone data.
The investigation extended beyond Kenyan borders, with authorities verifying Mohamed’s immigration status and collaborating with Canadian counterparts to build a comprehensive profile. This international cooperation aims to uncover the full scope of his motives and potential connections.
Mohamed Mohamed remains in custody at Kamiti Maximum Prison, awaiting a pre-bail report hearing scheduled for April 13th. The coming weeks will be critical as investigators piece together the events leading up to the attack and determine the extent of any broader network involved.
