A 20-year prison sentence was handed down by the Makindu Magistrates Court on Thursday, July 6, to an individual who had stolen Ksh780, clothing, and a pair of shoes. The convicted person, Boniface Maingi, was found guilty of committing robbery with violence on January 18, 2020, in Emali Township, Makueni County, as determined by Senior Principal Magistrate Ireri.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) released a statement affirming Maingi’s guilt, stating, “Boniface Maingi was found guilty of forcefully and violently robbing the complainant of a mobile phone, assorted clothes, a pair of shoes, and Ksh 780 at Emali township.” The prosecution, led by Catherine Ngari, presented evidence from four witnesses to establish the case.
Prosecutor Ngari relied on police reports, eyewitness testimonies, and circumstantial evidence to establish Maingi’s presence at the crime scene in Makueni County. Ngari informed the court that investigative officers secured the crime scene and ensured the safety of the victim and any witnesses.
Robbery with violence is defined under Section 296 (2) of the Kenyan Penal Code as an offense where the perpetrator is armed with a dangerous or offensive weapon, accompanied by one or more individuals, or inflicts wounds, beatings, or personal violence upon any person before, during, or after the robbery. The prescribed penalty for this offense is life imprisonment.
This specific section of the Penal Code highlights the increased severity of the offense when the perpetrator is armed, accompanied by others, or uses violence against the victim. In contrast, simple robbery, which does not involve such circumstances, carries a maximum punishment of 14 years in prison.
It is important to distinguish between robbery with violence and simple robbery due to the significant differences in the penalties imposed for each. Notably, not all robberies involving violence will fall under the category of robbery with violence as outlined in Section 296 (2) of the Penal Code.
