How former Likoni OCS used deadly force and ended up in prison

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The law allows police to use force during arrests, but it must be proportional.

For former Likoni Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Yunus Athman, lethal force crossed the line, ending in a life sentence.

On Friday, the High Court in Mombasa sentenced Athman to life imprisonment for the murder of 20-year-old Mbaraka Maitha Omar.

Lady Justice Wendy Kagendo Micheni found Athman guilty of killing Omar in 2018 at Mwenza Village, Likoni.

Athman had gone to arrest Omar over alleged goat theft. A madrassa teacher accompanied officers to identify the suspect’s home.

Witnesses told the court that Omar was unarmed and did not resist arrest.

Despite this, Athman fired multiple shots, killing Omar instantly.

Witnesses described how the young man’s life was ended before he had any chance to defend himself.

Several witnesses also reported attempts to obscure the circumstances of the shooting.

The victim’s family broke down in court, describing ongoing psychological trauma.

“We lost our son in front of the very people meant to protect him,” one relative said.

In her ruling, Lady Justice Micheni said she had considered mitigation, the pre-sentence report, and the victim impact statement.

She emphasized that Athman, as a police officer, had a duty to protect life, not take it. Using deadly force against a defenceless civilian was a grave breach of public trust.

Athman is now in custody and can appeal the conviction and sentence within 14 days.