Two traffickers have been sentenced to 24 years in prison after being found g****y of transporting illicit substances worth over Ksh 4 million.
In a statement shared by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Thursday, August 15, 2024, the sentence was delivered following a year-long trial at the JKIA law courts.
Hussein Otita Wakhayanga and Daniel Gor John were arrested on May 22, 2023, along the Nairobi-Naivasha highway in the Flyover area.
According to the DCI, the suspects were apprehended when their white Toyota Passo, registration number KCS 679P, was intercepted by officers from the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU).
“Hussein Otita Wakhayanga and Daniel Gor John were nabbed on May 22, 2023, along the Nairobi-Naivasha highway in the Flyover area. Their white Toyota Passo (KCS 679P) was intercepted by officers from the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU). A meticulous search revealed seven sacks and eight packages brimming with dry plant material suspected to be illicit substances,” the statement read in part.
During a thorough search of the vehicle, officers discovered seven sacks and eight packages filled with dry plant material suspected to be controlled substances.
The authorities confirmed that the suspects, along with the seized substances and vehicle, were taken to DCI headquarters, where they were investigated. Analysis confirmed that the seized material was hemp, weighing 161.75 kg with an estimated street value of Ksh4,852,500.
On May 29, 2023, Wakhayanga and Gor appeared before the JKIA law courts, where six witnesses provided testimony during the trial. Their statements contributed to the conviction of the accused.
The court handed down a 24-year prison sentence to each, along with a fine of Ksh50 million. If they fail to pay the fine, they will face an additional year in prison.
“This case underscores the DCI’s unwavering commitment to combating substance trafficking. The public is urged to steer clear of such activities, as offenders will face the full force of the law,” DCI stated.