A Nigerian national, Okwudili Cletus Onuh, has been sentenced at Kahawa Law Courts after admitting to several charges of drug trafficking in a high-profile case that has captured attention due to its scale and implications. The court handed him a hefty financial penalty and a possible long prison term, while proceedings against his co-accused are set to continue later this month.
Onuh was convicted on Wednesday after pleading guilty to multiple charges of trafficking in narcotic drugs. The charges were filed under Section 4(a)(ii) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, following a trial marked by strong evidence and thorough arguments by the prosecution team.
The sentence was issued by Senior Principal Magistrate Richard Koech, who took into account submissions from both the prosecution and defence before making the final ruling. Koech stressed the need to enforce deterrent measures in cases involving narcotics, noting the harm such crimes inflict on society.
Onuh was fined a total of Sh 46,500,000 for counts 1, 3, and 4. Should he fail to pay, he faces 20 years in prison for each count. However, the court ruled that these sentences will run concurrently.
Additionally, the court acknowledged that Onuh had already spent three years in remand, and this will be credited toward his total sentence.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) led the case against Onuh. Principal Prosecution Counsel James Machirah and Prosecution Counsel Gedion Kiprono presented the case on behalf of the state.
Their detailed presentation of evidence was a turning point in the trial and led Onuh to change his plea.
“The outcome was hailed as a significant step in the fight against narcotics, sending a clear message about the consequences of drug trafficking.”
During the sentencing hearing, the defence urged the court to consider the personal circumstances of the accused, appealing for leniency. After listening to both sides, Magistrate Koech delivered a balanced decision that considered the gravity of the crime and the time already served by the accused.
While Onuh’s case has now concluded, attention shifts to the second accused person, Hamid Annet Njoki Kaur. Her hearing is scheduled to proceed at the same court on 29th September 2025.
By imposing both financial penalties and a lengthy prison sentence, the court reinforced its commitment to justice and the wider campaign against drug-related offences. The case serves as a clear warning to those involved in the narcotics trade and highlights the judiciary’s resolve in protecting communities from the dangers of illicit drugs.
