Mombasa Court Sentences Two Men Seven Years for Stealing Police AK-47

• Two men sentenced to seven years in prison each for stealing a police AK-47 rifle and 30 rounds of ammunition.
• Case sets precedent for concurrent sentencing in similar cases involving firearms and ammunition.
• ODPP's investigation and prosecution strategies led to convictions, with evidence presented by Principal Prosecution Counsel Godfrey Ngigi.

The court heard that during the night of June 13, 2026, a gang attacked Police Constable James Kobia, who was guarding the industrial park alongside private security guards.

In a significant development for law enforcement in Kenya, two men have been sentenced to seven years in prison each for stealing a police AK-47 rifle and 30 rounds of ammunition. The case, which involved a night raid at Bonje Industrial Park in Jomvu, Mombasa County, has set a precedent for concurrent sentencing in similar cases. This may have far-reaching implications for the prosecution of crimes involving firearms and ammunition.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) played a crucial role in securing convictions for Pius Oketch and Kellas Wanyonyi. Principal Prosecution Counsel Godfrey Ngigi presented evidence linking the duo to the robbery, which was found to be beyond reasonable doubt by Senior Resident Magistrate Hon. Hamlick Muriithi Mwenda.

The court's reliance on 17 prosecution witnesses in finding the two men guilty is a testament to the effectiveness of the ODPP's investigation and prosecution strategies.

A gang attacked Police Constable James Kobia at Bonje Industrial Park on June 13, 2026, overpowering him and stealing his AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition. One of the private security guards was also robbed of a mobile phone, which investigators used to generate leads.

The stolen phone's calls provided crucial information that helped detectives establish a network of individuals allegedly connected to the robbery. Wanyonyi had recruited casual labourers on the pretext of securing night work at the industrial park, and they proceeded to the premises shortly before the robbery.

Police arrested Wanyonyi three days after the incident, who then led officers to Oketch's residence at Narcol Estate. When searched, investigators recovered the stolen AK-47, its magazine, and all 30 rounds of ammunition concealed in a sack.

Oketch was charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, possession of a firearm and ammunition without a license, and possession of government stores. Although the court imposed different sentences for these offences, they were ordered to run concurrently, resulting in an effective seven-year custodial sentence.

The concurrent sentencing of Oketch may set a precedent for similar cases in Kenya, where lawyers and compliance officers should take note of the prosecution's success in securing convictions for crimes involving firearms and ammunition. The ODPP's strategies and evidence presented in court have demonstrated the importance of thorough investigation and effective prosecution in securing justice.

Lawyers and compliance officers should note the concurrent sentencing of Oketch, who was charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, possession of a firearm and ammunition without a license, and possession of government stores. This may set a precedent for similar cases in Kenya.

Source: Original reporting via The East African