Westlands mosque attack: Police charge Canadian citizen with terrorism
Family members however, say the suspect had a history of mental issues
A 32-year-old Canadian national who stabbed worshippers during prayers at Westlands mosque in Nairobi on February 28, 2026 has been charged with terrorism.
The suspect, identified as Mohamed Abdul Mohamed, was arraigned in Kahawa Law Courts on April 2, 2026 where pleaded not guilty to the charges.
He faced multiple charges which included committing a terrorist act, assault causing actual bodily harm, possession of fake currency, and unlawful presence in Kenya.
Mohammed was remanded at Kamiti Maximum Prison pending further proceedings, with the case set for mention on April 13, 2026, for a pre-bail report.
On the fateful day, the suspect arrived at the mosque in a Toyota Harrier vehicle, entered the mosque at around 5:00 a.m posing as a worshipper attending Fajr prayers. Once inside, he reportedly locked the main entrance, drew a machete, and attacked congregants, injuring about five people before he was subdued by the worshippers.
Police arrested the suspect while the injured victims were taken to hospitals for treatment.
Detectives from DCI Kilimani, working alongside the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), conducted a multi-agency investigation that included forensic examination of the scene, CCTV analysis, and digital review of the suspect’s mobile phone. Authorities also verified his immigration status and engaged Canadian counterparts as part of background checks.
Family members however, say the suspect had mental issues and this could have formed the reason for his actions. Days after the incident, his father offered an apologized to the faithful as he explained to the worshippers the mental state of his son who was a regular worshipper at the mosque.