THREE KENYA AIRWAYS EMPLOYEES SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS FOR SMUGGLING KSH.60M MILLION Heroin IN MAJOR DRUG TRAFFICKING CONVICTION

The judgment by the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Court follows their conviction on two counts of narcotic drug trafficking, involving the illicit transport of nearly 10 kilograms of heroin.

The accused include cabin crew members Lennox Chengek Chestit and Alfric Odhiambo Otieno, and ground staffer Kenneth Sinzore Isundu, who were also fined between Ksh.88 million and Ksh.90 million, with additional prison terms if fines remain unpaid.

Their conviction follows two counts of trafficking in narcotic drugs. In the first, Chestit and Isundu were found guilty of ferrying 9,845.70 grams of heroin valued at Ksh.29,537,100.

In the second, Otieno and Isundu were convicted of trafficking a 20-kilogram haul worth Ksh.60 million. Senior Principal Magistrate Njeri Thuku ordered that Isundu’s sentences run concurrently.

The court rejected their pleas for non-custodial sentences, emphasizing that drug trafficking offenses do not qualify for community service orders under Kenyan law.

“All three asked the court for a non-custodial sentence, but the court is bound by the Community Service Orders Act. Drug trafficking offences do not fit the parameters for non-custodial sentencing,” Magistrate Thuku ruled.

Magistrate Njeri Thuku condemned their actions for tarnishing the reputations of Kenya Airways and the Kenya Airports Authority, highlighting the severe damage caused by insiders exploiting national institutions for criminal activities.

“To see employees of Kenya Airways themselves involved in drug trafficking is more damaging than any of them possibly imagined,” she observed.

The lengthy eight year legal process has been hailed as a landmark step in strengthening Kenya’s defenses against narcotics trafficking through international gateways.

Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga welcomed the court’s ruling as a strong message to criminal networks, praising the prosecution team for their dedication in securing the convictions.

“This verdict sends a clear message that no individual or institution is beyond the reach of the law,” said Ingonga.

“The ODPP 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.”

He underscored Kenya’s commitment to protecting its borders and public institutions, affirming that no individual or organization is above the law.

The case exposes vulnerabilities in airport security management but also demonstrates the resolve of Kenyan law enforcement in combating drug syndicates exploiting airline personnel.

This ruling follows increased scrutiny and stricter measures against drug trafficking within the aviation sector.

Kenya Airways has faced repeated challenges with staff involvement in narcotics smuggling, prompting the airline and authorities to enhance detection and preventive efforts.

The case reflects a broader crackdown on drug trafficking rings operating through strategic national points, as Kenya continues efforts to stem the flow of illegal drugs harming society.

The employees involved, aged between 26 and 45 at the time of arrest, face long prison sentences that aim to deter others and curtail the growing menace.

The complex case, covering multiple drug hauls and involving significant quantities of heroin, stands as a sobering reminder of the ongoing threats to Kenya’s security and the critical need for vigilance across all sectors