Businesswoman Joyce Akinyi, alongside her co-accused, Paulin Kalala, and Peres Onyango, has been convicted of trafficking heroin worth KSh5.6 million, receiving lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines.
Akinyi was sentenced to 25 years in prison and fined KSh9 million, while Kalala received a 10-year prison term and a KSh9 million fine. Onyango, the third accused in the case, was sentenced to seven years in prison and fined KSh7.9 million.
Akinyi, once a prominent entrepreneur, rose to public attention through her marriage to Nigerian businessman Chinedu, a relationship frequently marred by allegations of drug trafficking. Chinedu was deported from Kenya in 2013 after narcotics were found in his possession, leaving Akinyi to continue running her business operations.
Her Lang’ata-based Deep West Resort, once a thriving hospitality establishment, eventually became a hub for her illegal activities. Akinyi’s legal troubles culminated in 2019 when authorities raided the hotel and uncovered 2kg of heroin valued at KSh5 million, hidden in a shoe rack.
Evidence presented in court revealed that the drugs were stored in one of the hotel rooms, which Akinyi used as an office. She reportedly controlled access to the room, allowing only specific individuals to enter.
The discovery led to charges against Akinyi, Kalala Musankinshay, and Onyango for drug trafficking, resulting in their current convictions.
