KDF "DOSSIER" CLAIMS LEADER OF KENYA ALSHABAAB FIGHTERS AHMED IMAN HAS DEFECTED

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KDF "DOSSIER" CLAIMS LEADER OF KENYA ALSHABAAB FIGHTERS AHMED IMAN HAS DEFECTED

A Sh16 million reward has been offered for information on the whereabouts of a Kenyan al Shabaab leader and his seven followers.

Ahmed Iman aka Abu Zinnra and his followers are believed to have left the militant group over dissatisfaction with its operations and fear of being executed.

The eight allegedly want to form their own group within Boni Forest in Lamu county using al Shabaab's resources.

"The objective of the local group is to penetrate the country, particularly North Eastern and Coastal parts, and spread its influence," a leaked classified document from KDF reads.

The 20-page dossier states that Iman's plan to leave al Shabaab is likely to demoralise foreign fighters including those from Tanzania, Uganda, Egypt and Libya.

"It is feared that his exit will worsen the already existing tension between local Somali fighters and foreign fighters," the report seen by The Star reads.

Iman's followers are
1.Erick Achayo,
2.Juma Ayub,
3.Habib Karongo, 5.Mohammed Musa, 6.Mohammed Tajir 7. Ramadhan Kioko.

A Sh2 million bounty has placed on each of the suspect who have been on the government watch list.

The dossier indicates that Iman's close supporters have been executed or imprisoned by the militant group on allegations of being government spies.

"His possible defection, therefore, is likely to cause a mass exodus of foreign fighters from the region, majority of whom looked up to him for inspiration and religious guidance," the report adds

Iman is said to operate within al Shabaab's media and propaganda wing and is behind the production of several videos released by the group.

He travelled to Somalia in 2009 and has since then risen through the ranks to his current influence

The report further states Iman had issued two conditions for his surrender: that his family members will not be prosecuted and that he will not be turned to the Somalia government or other countries that may want to try him.

He also promised to cooperate with the government in the fight against al Shabaab.

Via The Star