In a landmark ruling on January 9, 2025, a Nairobi court has handed down a 25-year prison sentence to controversial businesswoman Joyce Akinyi following her conviction in a high-profile drug trafficking case.
The decision, delivered by the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) court, came after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) successfully prosecuted Akinyi alongside her co-defendants, Paulin Kalala, a Congolese national, and Peres Ochieng, who is currently evading arrest.
Joyce Akinyi and Paulin Kalala were found guilty of trafficking narcotics, leading to Akinyi receiving a substantial 25-year sentence along with a hefty fine of Ksh. 9,018,000. Kalala, on the other hand, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and faced the same financial penalty. Peres Ochieng, who remains at large, was sentenced in absentia to 25 years in prison and fined Ksh. 7,927,740, with her sentence set to commence upon her capture.
In addition to the drug charges, Akinyi was also convicted on a separate count for possessing a passport without valid justification, resulting in an extra two years in prison. However, the court ruled that the sentences would run concurrently, meaning Akinyi will serve a total of 25 years.
This verdict marks a significant step in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking in Kenya, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing this pressing issue.
