Controversial Nairobi businesswoman, Joyce Akinyi, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison following her conviction for drug trafficking. The sentence, delivered by a Nairobi court, is a significant development in a case that has captured the public’s attention due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved.
Akinyi, along with two other individuals Paulin Kalala, a Congolese national, and Peres Ochieng was found guilty of being involved in a sophisticated narcotics trafficking operation at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) successfully secured a conviction after presenting a strong case against the accused.
In the first count of trafficking in narcotics, Akinyi was sentenced to 25 years in prison and slapped with a hefty fine of Ksh9,018,000. Kalala, who was also found guilty on the same charge, received a 10-year sentence and the same fine. Akinyi’s involvement in the operation was seen as a major blow to the illicit drug trade, which has plagued the region.
Peres Ochieng, the third accused, remains at large, with a warrant of arrest issued against her. She too was sentenced to 25 years in prison and ordered to pay Ksh7,927,740 in fines. Her sentence will be enforced once she is apprehended.
Additionally, Akinyi faced charges related to possessing a passport without a valid explanation. For this, she was sentenced to 2 years in prison. However, the court ordered that her sentences for drug trafficking and passport-related offenses run concurrently, meaning Akinyi will serve her 25-year sentence in full.
This sentencing highlights the growing efforts by Kenyan authorities to curb the spread of narcotics and send a strong message to those involved in drug trafficking. It is also a significant moment in the ongoing battle against organized crime in the region, with Akinyi’s conviction underscoring the importance of holding even high-profile individuals accountable for their involvement in illegal activities.
