A Makueni Court has fined a 59-year-old man Ksh 1 million or, in default, serve 11 years in prison after he was found guilty of trafficking narcotics contrary to Section 4(a) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
The accused, Musyoki Muia Mukula, appeared before Makueni Law Court Chief Magistrate Peter Gesora and pleaded guilty to the charge.
The offence was committed on July 3, 2024, along Kalawa-Katangini murram road in Mbooni Sub-County, where Mukula was found in possession of 2kgs of cannabis sativa with a street value of Ksh 5,000, which he was delivering to his customers at Katangini market.
“The offender was carrying 2kgs of cannabis sativa valued at Ksh 5,000 that he was delivering to his customers at Katangini market. He also had rolling material in a black bag,” said Makinya location chief Christine Malonza while giving her evidence in court.
“The accused is a notorious drug peddler at Kalawa market, and he is not fit to live within the community as he will continue selling drugs to the public,” she added.
Probation Officer Damaris Malenge told the court that the local administration opposed releasing the accused on a non-custodial sentence, hence the need for an alternative verdict.
“Considering the above, it is my opinion that the accused is unsuitable for a non-custodial sentence and should be given an alternative verdict,” said Malenge.
In mitigation, the accused told the court that the sale of drugs helped him get extra money to support his children. “I was on my way to Katangini to find a casual job and plead for a fair judgment,” Mukula said.
“The accused is likely to resume his drug trafficking business if released back to the community. He is given a deterrent sentence to serve as a warning to other drug peddlers,” said Magistrate Gesora while delivering the judgment.
