Ahmed Iman Ali, also known as Abu Zinira is a prominent Kenyan al-Shabaab commander suspected to be running multimillion-shilling businesses in Nairobi.
The terrorist who graduated from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology before joining al-Shabaab has been operating the businesses from Somalia through proxies.
He graduated with an Engineering degree and is said to be running the businesses to finance the terror group, according to security sources quoted by the Nation.
The fugitive runs businesses including boutiques, go-downs, and makeshift stalls dealing in second-hand clothes and shoes. He also runs a nursery school.
According to the publication, security agents have been spying various businesses at a shopping complex in Nairobi’s Majengo and stalls at Gikomba market.
Agents from the security department were attracted to the businesses after a suspect of fundraising for al-Shabaab Musa Mutevi aka Bame, was spotted coordinating collection of money.
Bame is the leader of a group recruited by Iman to co-ordinate secret fundraising for suspected terrorists in Nairobi, according to the security agents.
Those who benefit from the businesses in Nairobi include Ramadhan Kioko aka Pinji, Eric Achayo Ogada, Mohamed Tajir Ali aka Wahome, Ramadhan Shuaib aka Giggs and Juma Ayub who is also known as Otit Were and KB. These are known fugitives who are on the most-wanted list.
“Iman owns and receives funds collected from at least 10 stalls. The proceeds from the stalls makes his stay in Somalia comfortable and partly facilitate his propaganda video releases,” according to the security reports.
The funds are also spent on recruiting, training and logistics on terror activities in Kenya and Somalia.
Presently, Iman leads the Kenyan contingent in Somalia while also heading the video production department at al-Shabaab’s media.
Before fleeing to Somalia, Iman could have spread his network to Wajir, Garissa, Mombasa and Mandera where his followers lured unsuspecting youths into al-Shabaab.