A man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by a Machakos court for shooting a Kenya Power staff member with an arrow while he was on duty.
In a statement released on Thursday, August 21, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) noted that Kioko Kavita shot Esau Ogutu Mbadi on June 7, 2024, at Yatta, Machakos County.
“Kithimani Magistrate’s court has sentenced a man to 20 years’ imprisonment for shooting a Kenya Power staff member with an arrow while on official duty. The court heard that Kioko Kavita shot Esau Ogutu Mbadi on June 7, 2024 at Kithendu village in Yatta Sub-County within Machakos County. He was charged with unlawfully attempting to cause the death of Esau by shooting him on the right side below the ribs with a bow and arrow,” the statement read.
Man handed 20 years in prison for shooting Kenya Power employee with an arrow. Photo: Courtesy.
According to the ODPP, reports indicate that Mbadi was part of a Kenya Power team dispatched to prune trees interfering with electricity lines in the area.
However, Kavita resisted the operation and witnesses testified that he threatened the officials before attacking.
Following the incident, Mbadi was rushed to Matuu Level 4 Hospital, where he underwent surgery to remove the arrow.
Principal Magistrate Paul Wechuli while delivering judgment noted that the evidence from five prosecution witnesses proved that the accused intended to kill.
Wechuli further observed that the accused had attempted to fire another arrow, which could have been fatal if he had not been restrained.
He also dismissed any suggestion of personal grudge, noting the complainant was only carrying out his duty of restoring power.
