In a landmark ruling emphasizing police accountability, the High Court in Mombasa has sentenced former Likoni Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Yunus Athman to life imprisonment for the 2018 murder of an unarmed young man.
Lady Justice Wendy Kagendo Micheni delivered the sentence on February 13, 2026, after convicting Athman of murdering 20-year-old Mbaraka Maitha Omar at Mwenza Village, Likoni.
The prosecution, led by state counsel including Ngiri Wangui, called over 20 witnesses. Their evidence established Athman’s presence at the scene and disproved any claim that the victim posed a threat or resisted arrest.
Court testimony revealed that Athman arrived to arrest Omar over alleged goat theft. Despite the deceased being unarmed and offering no resistance, Athman fired multiple shots, killing him instantly.
The judge, in her sentencing remarks, noted that the court had reviewed Athman’s mitigation, the pre-sentence report, and a victim impact statement from the family.
She imposed a life sentence (custodial term for the remainder of his natural life), stressing that: “As a police officer, Athman had a statutory duty to protect life, yet he resorted to unlawful and excessive force against a defenseless civilian.
Such abuse of state power undermines justice and demands a strong deterrent penalty.” Justice Michemi stated in her sentencing report.
The victim’s family described the killing as malicious, highlighting ongoing psychological trauma and a deep betrayal of public trust.
The trial also brought to light concerns about police conduct, including alleged efforts to obscure the facts surrounding the shooting.
Justice Micheni directed Athman to file any appeal against the conviction and sentence within 14 days.
