The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has secured a major conviction in a heroin trafficking case against Kenya Airways employees.

In a major crackdown on curbing narcotics, three KQ were nabbed and each sentenced to 25 years in prison for trafficking heroin valued at around Ksh 60 million.

The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Court handed the sentences to Lennox Chengek Chestit, a cabin crew member; Kenneth Sinzore Isundu, a ground staffer; and Alfric Odhiambo Otieno, also a cabin crew member.

Additionally, the court ordered them to pay fines ranging from Ksh 88 million to Ksh 90 million.

“The convictions stem from two counts of trafficking in narcotic drugs. In the first count, Chestit and Isundu were found guilty of trafficking 9,845.70 grams of heroin valued at KSh 29,537,100. In the second count, Otieno and Isundu were convicted of trafficking 20 kilograms of heroin worth KSh 60 million. Senior Principal Magistrate Njeri Thuku ordered that Isundu’s sentences run concurrently,” DPP wrote on X.

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How the Court Ruled on the Case

Upon court hearing, Magistrate Thuku denied the suspects’ request for non-custodial sentences, citing the law’s strict provisions.

“All three asked the court for a non-custodial sentence, but the court is bound by the Community Service Orders Act. Drug trafficking offences do not fit the parameters for non-custodial sentencing,” she declared.

According to the court, KQ staff involvement in drug trafficking lowers the reputation of Kenya Airways and Kenya Airports Authority.

“To see employees of Kenya Airways themselves involved in drug trafficking is more damaging than any of them possibly imagined,” stated the magistrate.

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DPP Boss Speaks on the Matter

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, commended the judgment, showing the DPP’s efforts to control the drug trafficking network, which includes those operating critical national institutions.

“This verdict sends a clear message that no individual or institution is beyond the reach of the law. The DPP will continue to work tirelessly to protect Kenya’s borders, safeguard public institutions, and ensure that those who undermine national security face the full force of justice.”

Additionally, the accused, Chestit, Otieno, and Isundu were 26, 27, and 45, respectively, during the time of arrest.

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ODPP Renson M. Ingonga during a past event. PHOTO/ODPP.