By Michelle Ndaga
The Kithimani court has sentenced Kioko Kavita to 20 years in prison for attempting to kill a Kenya Power staff member with a bow and arrow during an operation to restore electricity in Yatta Sub-County.
The court heard that on June 7, 2024, Kavita shot Esau Ogutu Mbadi in the abdomen as he and his colleagues worked to prune trees interfering with power lines in Kithendu village. The officials had identified an avocado tree in Kavita’s compound as the cause of persistent outages and sought permission to cut it down.
According to witness testimony, Kavita refused, threatened the team, and later retrieved a bow and arrows from his house before firing at Ogutu. The arrow lodged below the victim’s ribs, forcing him to undergo emergency surgery at Matuu Level 4 Hospital.
In his ruling, Principal Magistrate P. Wechuli said the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, noting that Kavita’s actions showed clear intent to kill. The court observed that had he not been restrained, he was prepared to shoot a second arrow.
“The accused turned against a public officer who was only discharging his duties to restore electricity to the community. His actions were barbaric and warrant a deterrent sentence,” Hon. Wechuli ruled.
The court sentenced Kavita to 20 years’ imprisonment, factoring in time spent in custody. The prosecution was led by Fred Kimathi and James Gachoka.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) welcomed the ruling, saying it sends a strong message against violent attacks on public officers carrying out their lawful duties.
