The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has arrested and sentenced three KQ staff over major conviction in heroin trafficking valued at ksh 60 million.
The three suspects, 26-year-old Lennox Chengek Chestit, a cabin crew member; Kenneth Sinzore Isundu (45), a ground staffer; and Alfric Odhiambo Otieno (27), also a cabin crew member, were each sentenced to 25 years in prison with a fine compensation ranging between KSh 88 million and KSh 90 million.
In the first count of conviction, Chestit and Isundu were found guilty of trafficking 9,845.70 grams of heroin valued at KSh 29,537,100. In the second count, Otieno and Isundu were convicted of trafficking 20 kilograms of heroin worth KSh 60 million.
Senior Principal Magistrate Njeri Thuku ordered that Isundu’s sentences run concurrently.
“In request for non-custodial sentence the court has denied and is bound by the Community Service Orders Act that states that drug trafficking offences do not fit the parameters for non-custodial sentencing,” ruled Thuku .
“To see employees of Kenya Airways themselves involved in drug trafficking is more damaging than any of them possibly imagined,”magistrate Thuku noted.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga hailed the judgment as a strong affirmation of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP’s) unwavering commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks, including those operating within critical national institutions.
The prosecution team comprising Norah Otieno, Kennedy Panyako, and Rono Paula, were commended for their diligence, professionalism, and thorough handling of the case over the past eight years.
“This verdict sends a clear message that no individual or institution is beyond the reach of the law. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect Kenya’s borders, safeguard public institutions, and ensure that those who undermine national security face the full force of justice.”said DPP.
The eight-year trial marks a historic milestone towards curbing narcotics trafficking through Kenya’s international gateways.
