Two men convicted for the murder of former Kilifi Deputy Governor Kenneth Kamto have been sentenced to 40 and 30 years in prison respectively.
Julius Gitonga was handed 40 years behind bars while Joseph Amwayi was given the 30-year sentence.
On January 14, the duo was found guilty of three counts of robbery with violence, contrary to Section 296(2) of the Penal Code.
Gitonga was also found guilty of possessing a firearm and ammunition without a valid certificate, in violation of the Firearms Act.
The court established that the gun was used in the murder of Kamto.
The former deputy governor was fatally shot during a home invasion at his Nyali residence on the night of December 12, 2018.
He was killed in front of his wife before the robbers fled with mobile phones and other valuables.
While passing the sentences Friday morning, Senior Principal Magistrate Yusuf Abdallah Shikanda stated that 57-year-old Gitonga was convicted on five counts — three for robbery with violence and two for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
His co-accused, 50-year-old Amwayi, was convicted on three counts of robbery with violence.
Gitonga and Amwayi were handed an additional 30 and 25-year jail terms respectively for two more counts of robbery with violence.
Gitonga was also sentenced to 10 years each for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
However, all sentences will run concurrently, magistrate Shikanda ruled.
“Since Julius Gitonga was identified as the gunman who fatally shot Kenneth Mwakombo Kamto, his sentences were more severe,” Shikanda said.
The chief magistrate ruled that Gitonga’s sentence would be counted from January 30, 2019, when he was first remanded, while Amwayi’s sentence would take effect from January 14, 2025.
Shikanda cited the Supreme Court ruling in Francis Karioko Muruatetu's case, which declared the mandatory death sentence unconstitutional, allowing courts discretion in sentencing.
However, he emphasised that sentencing guidelines focus on retribution, deterrence and community protection.
“No punishment can restore the life of the deceased. However, the court must send a clear message that crime does not pay. After considering all relevant factors, including the probation officer's recommendation, I agree that a non-custodial sentence is not viable," ruled Shikanda.
The prosecution presented evidence from 24 witnesses, including Kamto's wife, their house help, police officers, a firearms examiner, a ballistics expert, a government analyst and a cybercrime expert.
