In a landmark ruling, Fatuma Ahmed Ali, a Mombasa-based woman, was sentenced to 40 years in prison and fined Ksh. 825,642,000 after being convicted of trafficking heroin worth Ksh. 275 million.
The judgment, delivered by Senior Resident Magistrate David Odhiambo on behalf of Principal Magistrate Martin Rabera, brings to an end a six-year legal battle against the notorious narcotics trafficker.
Fatuma, who was jointly charged with her late husband, Swaleh Yusuf Ahmed alias Kandereni, was found guilty of trafficking 91,738 grams of heroin valued at Ksh. 275,214,000 in violation of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act.
“As a result, Fatuma Ahmed Ali has been slapped with a 40-year in prison and a fine of Ksh. 825, 642,000 in a judgement made by Principal Magistrate Martin Rabera and delivered by Senior Resident Magistrate David Odhiambo.” A statement from office of Director Of public Prosecution read.
The Drug Bust
According to Senior Prosecution Counsel Barbara Sombo, the drugs were discovered during a raid on September 20, 2018, at Kikambala Housing Estate in Kilifi County. The narcotics were concealed in two brown suitcases and a gunny bag within a residential house.
Swaleh, a well-known drug baron, faced additional charges of trafficking psychotropic substances but died under mysterious circumstances before his case concluded. His body was found at Kiruwitu near Vipingo in Kilifi, nine days after he was reported missing.
Prosecution’s Stance
Ms. Sombo argued against a non-custodial sentence requested by Fatuma’s advocate, Mr. Wangila, emphasizing the devastating impact of the 91 kilograms of heroin. “If sold in one-gram portions, these drugs could have ruined over 91,000 lives,” she told the court.
The prosecution presented compelling evidence, including testimonies from officers who conducted the raid. The court confirmed there was no indication that the drugs were planted or tampered with, solidifying the case against the accused.
Court’s Judgment
Magistrate Rabera, in his ruling as reported by OPPP, stated, “There is no evidential gap to suggest that the exhibits were tampered with or planted. Having reviewed and analyzed all the evidence, I find the charges against the accused proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The accused is hereby convicted as charged.”
This sentencing sends a strong warning to drug traffickers in Kenya, as the government continues its crackdown on the narcotics trade.
