Man Slapped with 20-Year Sentence for Shooting Kenya Power Worker

Kenya Power Engineer

A man who shot and injured a Kenya Power staff member while on official duty in Yatta Sub-County, Machakos has been sentenced to 20 year in prison.

In a statement on Thursday, August 21, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said that Kithimani Principal Magistrate Hon. P. Wechuli convicted Kioko Kavita for the offence of attempted murder following the attack on Esau Ogutu Mbadi on June 7, 2024, at Kithendu village.

The complainant, together with other Kenya Power staff, was undertaking routine maintenance to prune trees interfering with electricity lines when they encountered an avocado tree within the accused person’s homestead. 

According to evidence presented, the tree had repeatedly disrupted power supply to the area.

Upon being informed of the danger posed by the tree and the need to cut it down, the accused refused and threatened to attack anyone who attempted to interfere with it. 

He then armed himself with a bow and arrows, shooting the complainant on the right side of the abdomen.

KPLC workers

The victim was rushed to Matuu Level 4 Hospital, where he underwent surgery to remove the lodged arrow.

In delivering judgment, Hon. Wechuli noted that the prosecution, led by State Counsel Fred Kimathi and James Gachoka, had adduced consistent and uncontested evidence from five witnesses proving that the accused deliberately attempted to take the complainant’s life.

“The accused wilfully placed an arrow on a bow and shot at the complainant. His actions were not a mere preparation but a clear attempt to kill. If he had not been restrained, he would have fired a second arrow which could have been fatal,” the magistrate ruled.

DPP secures 20-year jail term for a man who shot Kenya Power Staff

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… pic.twitter.com/BhtHhy2jee

— Office of The Director Of Public Prosecutions (@ODPP_KE) August 21, 2025

The court further observed that the complainant was simply performing his lawful duties and bore no personal grudge against the accused. 

The magistrate described the attack as “barbaric and unfortunate”, stressing the need for a deterrent sentence to protect public officers discharging their duties.

Taking into account the period the accused had spent in custody, the court sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment.