Kenya Declares Muslim Brotherhood and Hizb ur Tahrir as Terrorist Groups
Kenya has formally classified the Muslim Brotherhood and Hizb ur Tahrir as terrorist organisations, in a sweeping escalation of its counter-terrorism measures.
It was announced through a special Kenya Gazette notice signed by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. The declaration criminalises any attempt to operate, fund or support the two groups in Kenya. Their assets are now frozen and their networks can be dismantled.
“The declaration shall remain in force until it is revoked by the Cabinet Secretary or by order of the court,” Murkomen stated in the notice dated September 19, 2025. This means the ban is indefinite unless challenged.
Broader Implications
The Muslim Brotherhood was founded in Egypt in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna and is considered the most influential Islamist movement of the modern era. Its blend of religious revival, social activism and political engagement has inspired branches worldwide. While it has participated in democratic politics in some regions, critics accuse the Brotherhood of fueling extremist ideologies and being an intellectual incubator for groups like Hamas.
The organisation has been banned in several countries including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Russia for spreading extremism and undermining national security. But supporters often portray it as a platform for social reform, welfare delivery and grassroots mobilisation.
Kenya is now among the growing list of countries that have banned the movement. The move shows Nairobi’s efforts to block radicalisation pipelines in the Horn of Africa and aligns with regional and international counter-terrorism priorities.
Targeting Radicalisation
By proscribing both the Muslim Brotherhood and Hizb ur Tahrir, Kenyan authorities want to cut off the ideological and financial channels that security experts say contribute to youth radicalisation. Officials argue that banning transnational Islamist movements is a preventive strategy – one that addresses potential threats before they become violent attacks.
The move also strengthens Kenya’s hand in monitoring international networks that may exploit the country’s open political and charitable systems. And it tells allies that Kenya is committed to global counter-terrorism cooperation.
A Country Born of Terror
Kenya has suffered some of the worst terrorist attacks in East Africa. The 2013 Westgate Mall siege that killed at least 67 people left deep wounds. Two years later the Garissa University massacre that killed 148 people mostly students and the 2019 DusitD2 hotel attack in Nairobi that killed 21 people were all carried out by al Shabab, the Somali-based al Qaeda affiliate that continues to target Kenya.
In response the government has intensified intelligence operations, launched cross border military campaigns in Somalia, tightened border surveillance and introduced rehabilitation programmes for returnee fighters. These measures have reduced large scale terror attacks but sporadic attacks in border counties like Mandera, Garissa and Wajir are still frequent.
The latest designations show Nairobi is determined to stay ahead of the extremist threat, reassuring citizens tired of insecurity and boosting Kenya’s standing among allies that demand tougher action against global Islamist movements.
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Kenya Declares Muslim Brotherhood and Hizb ur Tahrir as Terrorist Groups