Police seize videos used to promote terror

The ‘war against terror’ in Kenya is now focusing on audio and video recordings used by clerics to marshal support for al-Qaeda, al-Shabaab and other Islamic militant groups.

The key message in these recordings, normally disguised as “mawaidha” (general teachings) is a call to join the Jihad (Holy War) in Somalia, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The Anti-Terror Police Unit, the National Security Intelligence Service and the Criminal Investigation Department have been collecting these recordings in their attempt to understand the fluid terrorist underworld.

Sources told the Nation up to 600 compact discs and tapes with these recordings have been impounded from al-Shabaab recruits.

On January 15, this year ATPU officers raided studios in Mombasa’s Bondeni area and arrested some of those who compile the recordings. More raids were carried out in Mwembe Tayari.

It is understood that this was done following orders by Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere who had visited Coast Province on December 29 and 30, after which he made changes in the region’s police command.

Still more raids are planned for. The recordings, it has also emerged, have helped investigators piece together crucial roles being played by some Muslim preachers in the recruitment of Kenyan youth to al-Shabaab.

According to official sources, who cannot be identified discussing security issues, some of the preachers have been instrumental in executing attacks in the region, but hide all traces linking them to the crimes.

One of those arrested and charged included the proprietor of Mwembe Tayari’s Bilal studio, Mohammed Sudi also known as Mohammed Hussein.

He was charged in court on January 18 with having an article likely to instigate serious crime by an organised criminal group, the al-Shabaab.

The paraphernalia presented in the Mombasa court included articles, an al- Shabaab logo, and four CD covers.

Among the writings on the covers were “Mwito wa Jihad Somalia Bilal Studio, Hajj na Jihad, ipi bora?” (A call for Jihad in Somalia, by Bilal Studio. Between the Holy War and the Holy Pilgrimage, which is better?) and al-Shabaab Somalia, ya Usama”.

In a video recording dated December 7 seen by the Nation, controversial Muslim cleric Aboud Rogo preaches strongly about his revulsion for US and its “puppets”.

The cleric minces no words as he goes ahead to advocate “Jihad” against “taghuts” (false leaders or idols) , top of the list being the US, Somalia’s President Sheikh Sharrif Ahmed, top politicians in Kenya and some Islamic leaders.

Mr Rogo, who was arrested over alleged involvement in the December 20 city blast of a Kampala-bound bus, oozes confidence as he rallies Muslims to join Jihad in “Somalia, Iraq and Yemen”.

“Wallahi (I swear by Allah), he who makes it to Yemen, is just a step away from redeeming al Kabah (one of the holiest sites in Mecca, Saudi Arabia),” the cleric says.