Ex-Likoni Police Chief Receives Life Sentence for Fatal Shooting of Unarmed 20-Year-Old
In a landmark ruling delivered on February 14, 2026, the High Court in Mombasa has imposed a life imprisonment term on former Likoni Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Yunus Athman for the murder of an unarmed civilian back in 2018.
Chief Inspector Athman, who led the Likoni police station at the time, was convicted after the court found him guilty of unlawfully using lethal force against 20-year-old Mbaraka Maitha Omar during an attempted arrest in Mwenza Village, Likoni. The prosecution successfully presented evidence from more than 20 witnesses, establishing that the victim posed no threat, carried no weapon, and offered no resistance when Athman opened fire, killing him instantly over suspicions of goat theft.
Lady Justice Wendy Kagendo Micheni, presiding over the case, emphasized the severe breach of duty by the officer, who was legally obligated to safeguard lives rather than endanger them. She described Athman's actions as a grave abuse of authority and a profound betrayal of public trust, noting that such misuse of state power demands a strong deterrent response. Before handing down the custodial sentence for the remainder of his natural life, the judge reviewed mitigation factors, a pre-sentence report, and a victim impact statement from the deceased's family, who expressed lasting psychological pain and condemned the killing as malicious.
The family of Mbaraka Maitha Omar welcomed the verdict as a step toward justice after years of waiting, highlighting the emotional toll the incident has taken on them. Athman retains the right to appeal both the conviction and sentence within 14 days. The case, prosecuted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, underscores ongoing concerns about police accountability and excessive force in Kenya, serving as a reminder that officers must uphold the law even in challenging situations.
