Foreigner has case to answer over false identity claim
Abdihakim was charged in 2023 with fraudulently acquiring a Kenyan national identity card by falsely identifying himself as the son of a woman named Fatuma.
A Nairobi court has ruled that a foreign national accused of falsely claiming to be the son of a Kenyan woman has a case to answer.
Milimani Principal Magistrate Rose Ndombi found that Abdihakim Said Jama has a case to answer in relation to charges of obtaining registration by false pretences and being unlawfully present in Kenya.
“I find that the prosecution has proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt. The accused person has a case to answer and will be placed on his defence,” Magistrate Ndombi ruled.
Abdihakim was charged in 2023 with fraudulently acquiring a Kenyan national identity card by falsely identifying himself as the son of a woman named Fatuma.
In a previous hearing, Fatuma Mohamed, whom Abdihakim allegedly claimed as his mother, stunned the court with her testimony.
Fatuma, a resident of Burat in Isiolo County, firmly denied having any familial ties to Abdihakim.
“I met the accused for the first time in court. I do not know him and have never seen him before,” Fatuma told the court.
She presented a list of her eight children and confirmed that Abdihakim’s name did not appear on it.
She categorically denied any blood relation to the accused and recounted a visit by government officials to her home in June 2023, during which she was shown a photograph of a man.
“I did not recognise him. He is not my son,” she stated.
Supporting the prosecution’s case, businessman Abdi Aliow Issak, a member of the Ngare Mara vetting committee, denied participating in any 2011 meeting at which Abdihakim was allegedly approved for a national identity card.
He also questioned the authenticity of documents presented in court bearing the name "Abdi Aliow."
Abdi clarified that he always signs official documents using his full name, Abdi Aliow Issak, and not the abbreviated version that appeared in the disputed paperwork.
According to the prosecution, Abdihakim is accused of providing false information to a public officer in Isiolo County between March and June 2011.
It is alleged that he presented forged documents to the local chief to fraudulently obtain a Kenyan identity card.
The prosecution further claims that Abdihakim submitted a forged birth certificate (Entry No. L00906313/13, Serial No. 4208657), which belongs to another individual, alongside the fraudulently acquired ID card.
Abdihakim is expected to present his defence on July 10.
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