A Malaba court has sentenced Geoffrey Wafula Malunda to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of murdering boda boda rider Jeremiah Otwane Papa in a brutal robbery that occurred on August 17, 2023.
Principal Magistrate Ocharo Momanyi of the Malaba Law Courts ruled that the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt that Malunda, together with accomplices who remain at large, attacked and fatally injured Papa near Upland Estate in Malaba town, Busia County. The attackers then fled with the victim’s motorcycle and mobile phone.
Papa later succumbed to his injuries, prompting an investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Detectives traced the stolen items, which led them to Malunda, who had fled to neighboring Bungoma County following the crime. He was arrested and brought back to face justice.
The court emphasized the gravity of the offense, describing the act as premeditated and violent. While Malunda has been convicted and sentenced, efforts to locate and arrest his accomplices are ongoing.
The ruling has been welcomed by residents and members of the boda boda community, who have long raised concerns over rising insecurity targeting motorcycle operators in the region.
Written By Rodney Mbua
