Two men have been sentenced to death after being found guilty of four counts of robbery with violence in Moyale, Marsabit County. Nashon Ochieng Agutu and Jackson Okech Odhiambo faced the full force of the law following their conviction at the Moyale Law Courts. Senior Principal Magistrate Willy Cheruiyot presided over the case and found the two guilty on all four counts, which were brought under Section 295 as read with Section 296(2) of the Penal Code. This section of the law deals with robbery with violence, a serious offense that carries a mandatory death penalty upon conviction in Kenya.
Details of the robbery incident
The charges against Agutu and Odhiambo arose from a violent robbery that occurred on April 23, 2025, in the Dabel area of Moyale Sub-County. According to the prosecution, the two men, acting in concert with others who were not apprehended, carried out the attack while armed with dangerous weapons, including guns. The victims of this brutal assault were Alinoor Mamo, Silas Kalunge, Linus Murithi Marinda, and Bruno Thomas. During the robbery, the assailants made away with cash, mobile phones, and other personal belongings. The victims were not only robbed but also physically assaulted, sustaining injuries that underscored the violent nature of the crime.
Prosecution Counsel Benard Leadi presented a strong case against the accused, calling 13 witnesses to testify and establish the facts of the case. The testimony of these witnesses was instrumental in painting a clear picture of the events that transpired on that fateful day. After carefully considering the evidence presented, the court found Agutu and Odhiambo guilty on all four counts of robbery with violence.
Court proceedings and verdict
In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Cheruiyot took into account the severity of the crime, emphasizing the brutality of the attack and the use of lethal weapons. "The court has taken into account the nature of the robbery attack, its brutality and the use of lethal weapons. A deterrent sentence is warranted. I sentence the two to death," the magistrate ruled. The sentence reflects the judiciary's stance on violent crimes, particularly those involving the use of firearms, which pose a significant threat to public safety.
Implications of the ruling
Agutu and Odhiambo have been granted 14 days to appeal against both their conviction and sentence. The case highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing violent crime in Kenya, particularly in regions like Marsabit County, where such incidents can disrupt the peace and security of local communities. The ruling serves as a stern warning to others who may consider engaging in similar criminal activities.
