A Nairobi court has ordered the release of Somali presidential candidate Nasa Ige, who had been detained for nearly two weeks over allegations of terrorism financing and possession of multiple passports.
Arrest and Detention
Ige was arrested on February 11, 2026, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) shortly after arriving from Australia. He was apprehended by officers from the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) and held in custody for more than 10 days.
Authorities alleged that Ige was involved in providing services for the commission of terrorist acts, contrary to Section 5(1) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2012, and collecting information for terrorist acts under Section 29 of the Act.
Allegations and Evidence
Court documents revealed that Ige was found with:
- An iPhone 17 Pro Max paired with a Safaricom line
- A Somali diplomatic passport (No. D00019402)
- An Australian passport (No. RA6716271)
- Preliminary evidence suggesting possession of a New Zealand passport (No. LH995996)
Investigators suspected Ige of financing the Al-Shabaab terror group in Somalia and argued he was a flight risk, citing his family’s residence across Somalia, Australia, and New Zealand.
Court Proceedings
During proceedings, the court heard that both the New Zealand Embassy and the Australian High Commission had confirmed the validity of their respective passports. Confirmation from the Somali Embassy regarding the diplomatic passport was still pending.
Ige’s lawyer, Alex Kubo, maintained his client’s innocence:
“My client is as clean as a whistle. There is no evidence linking him to any terrorist financing or wrongdoing.”
The court subsequently ordered Ige’s release while investigations continue.
Political Context
Ige’s release comes as Somalia prepares for its presidential elections on May 16, 2026. His detention had raised concerns about political interference and the treatment of candidates ahead of the polls.
Conclusion
The case highlights the complex intersection of counterterrorism measures, international diplomacy, and electoral politics in the Horn of Africa. As investigations proceed, Ige’s candidacy will remain under close scrutiny both in Somalia and abroad.
