Controversial businesswoman Joyce Akinyi and her accomplice Paulin Kalala have been sentenced to 25 and 10 years in prison, respectively, following their conviction for trafficking narcotic drugs valued at Sh5.6 million.
The court also imposed fines totalling Sh9 million on the two, marking a significant victory in Kenya's fight against drug trafficking.
The case, prosecuted at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) courts, was led by a team of prosecutors, including Norah Achieng, Annette Wangia, and Faith Mwila.
The prosecution presented compelling evidence linking Akinyi to a sophisticated international drug trafficking network.
"The involvement of multiple countries and players underscores the growing concern of narcotics trafficking within and beyond Kenya’s borders," the presiding judge noted.
Akinyi’s activities came to light in 2019 when she was arrested alongside Kalala and another accomplice, Peres Ochieng, at Deep West Bar in Nairobi West.
Police recovered over two kilograms of heroin valued at Sh5.5 million, leading to charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act.
Additional charges
In addition to drug trafficking, Akinyi was convicted for possessing a forged passport without a valid explanation.
Peres Ochieng, who was placed on her defence, absconded before the conclusion of the trial, and sentencing proceeded in her absence.
A history of legal troubles
This conviction is the latest in a series of controversies surrounding Joyce Akinyi.
In 2008, she made international headlines when she was arrested in India alongside then-Budalangi MP Raphael Wanjala.
They were imprisoned for five months before their release, following diplomatic intervention.