Murkomen Declares Muslim Brotherhood and Hizb ut-Tahrir Terrorist Groups in Kenya

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has officially gazetted the Muslim Brotherhood and Hizb ut-Tahrir as terrorist groups under the 2025 Prevention of Terrorism Order.

In a gazette notice released on September 19, Murkomen stated that the declaration will remain in effect indefinitely unless he personally withdraws it or it is overturned by a court ruling. This new order now makes it illegal for any individual or institution in Kenya to fund, support, associate with, or operate under these organisations.

“The entities listed in the Schedule are declared specified entities under section 3(3) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act,” the notice read in part. “The declaration shall remain in force until revoked by the Cabinet Secretary or by order of the court.”

The Muslim Brotherhood

The Muslim Brotherhood is one of the most well-known Sunni Islamist movements in the world. It was founded in Egypt in 1928 and has since spread across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.

The organisation combines a mix of Islamic revivalist ideology with social, political, and educational activism. It campaigns for governance systems that align with Islamic law (Sharia).

Although it has often portrayed itself as a peaceful political and social movement, the Brotherhood has been accused globally of fueling radicalisation, encouraging extremism, and exploiting political opportunities to push its agenda.

Over the years, the movement has faced accusations of links to violence and terrorism, despite its attempts to maintain a softer, public image of being reformist and community-focused.

Because of these concerns, the group has been banned in a growing number of countries. It is outlawed in Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and now Kenya, joining a long list of governments that view the organisation as a threat to national security.

Hizb ut-Tahrir

On the other hand, Hizb ut-Tahrir is an international Islamist political organisation that has gained a reputation for its ambitious call to re-establish a global Islamic caliphate.

Founded in the mid-20th century, the group operates through political mobilisation, intellectual campaigns, and heavy use of online platforms to promote its message.

Its main strategy involves challenging existing governments, questioning their legitimacy, and advocating for a borderless Muslim state governed by Islamic law.

The organisation is known to have a presence in dozens of countries across different continents. While it does not openly run militant operations, many governments accuse it of spreading extremist ideologies and undermining state authority.

Because of its radical vision, Hizb ut-Tahrir has already been banned in the United Kingdom and India, and with Murkomen’s order, it now becomes officially outlawed in Kenya as well.

Why This Matters for Kenya

Kenya’s decision to outlaw these two organisations highlights the government’s tough stance on counterterrorism and radicalisation. The move is meant to curb any networks or sympathisers that may be operating locally, especially given the country’s past struggles with extremist threats linked to global jihadist movements.

By banning the Muslim Brotherhood and Hizb ut-Tahrir, the government has effectively shut down any legal pathway for these groups to operate or spread their ideology in Kenya.

It is now a criminal offence to associate with, support, or provide resources to either of them.

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