- Former Likoni OCS Yunus Athman was sentenced to life imprisonment by the High Court in Mombasa for the murder of 20-year-old Mbaraka Maitha Omar in 2018
- Judge Wendy Kagendo Micheni ruled that Athman shot the unarmed and compliant victim multiple times during his arrest for allegedly stealing goats.
- Court records revealed that more than 20 witnesses testified, with accounts suggesting attempts to cover up the shooting
- The decision follows a lengthy legal process, with the victim’s family citing ongoing psychological trauma, and Athman has 14 days to appeal.
In an important decision, the High Court of Mombasa has sentenced the former Chief Officer of the Likoni Leadership Center, Yunus Athman, to life imprisonment for the murder of a young man in 2018 in Likoni.
Source: UGC
The decision of Friday, February 14 has further emphasized the need for accountability by the National Police Service.
How did the ODPP build a case against Athman?
Judge Wendy Kagendo Micheni gave the sentence after finding Athman guilty of killing 20-year-old Mbaraka Maitha Omar in Mwenza Village.
The decision comes more than five years after the tragic event, which remains a stark reminder of the dangers of abuse of government power.
According to court records, the prosecution, led by Ngiri Wangui, called more than 20 witnesses to confirm Athman’s presence at the scene and refute claims that the victim was any threat.
Testimony painted a vivid picture of a young man who was unarmed and unruly when the officer opened fire.
The court heard that Athman went to arrest Omar for allegedly stealing a goat and despite no resistance, Athman fired several shots, killing the victim instantly.
Witnesses also recounted attempts to cover up the shooting, raising concerns about police conduct.
Why did Judge Micheni give Athman a life sentence?
In his sentence, Judge Micheni noted that as a police officer, Athman had a legal duty to protect life.
Instead, he said, he used unlawful force against a defenseless citizen, an act that undermines public confidence and strikes at the very foundation of justice.
He noted that the sentence was informed by a pre-sentence report, mitigation submissions, and a victim impact statement.
“The court noted that as a police officer, the defendant had a legal duty to protect life but instead used unlawful force against a defenseless citizen. The judge noted that abuse of government power violates the spirit of justice and must provide deterrent punishment,” ODPP reported.
Omar’s family told the court that they continue to suffer psychological trauma, describing the killing as a terrible and grave betrayal of public trust.
The decision gives Athman 14 days to exercise his right to appeal against the sentence and sentence.
Read ENGLISH VERSION
Do you have an exciting story that you would like us to publish? Please contact us via news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
