The High Court in Kisumu has handed a 45-year prison term to 23-year-old Arnold Ochieng Omollo for murdering his younger brother and nephew in a premeditated attack. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed the sentence on Wednesday.
Omollo, who pleaded guilty to two counts of murder “of his own volition,” was repeatedly cautioned about the maximum penalties he faced. He had been charged under Section 203 read with Section 204 of the Penal Code.
Court records show that the killings occurred between November 25 and 26, 2024, at Kamango Village in Awach Sublocation, Nyakach Subcounty.
Both victims, Aaron Smith Omollo and Jayson Havi, were under 10 years old and were attacked while asleep with crude weapons. Postmortem reports revealed that the children died from “severe head injuries due to penetrating brain cuts.”
Investigators recovered a metallic hoe and a wooden hoe handle at the scene, believed to have been used in the murders.
During proceedings, prosecution counsel Mercy Muema said the accused deliberately targeted vulnerable minors “who were unable to defend themselves,” urging the court to deliver a strict sentence.
She added that Omollo, who had a duty of care over the children, “violated the fundamental right to life,” noting that there was “no provocation of any kind” and that he showed no remorse after the killings.
Justice Joe M. Omido sentenced Omollo to 45 years on each count, with the terms running concurrently from December 18, 2024, when he first appeared in court.
The judge highlighted the compelling evidence presented by the prosecution, including exhibits recovered from the scene, and emphasized that the sentence reflects “the need to uphold the sanctity of life.” He added that the punishment should serve as a warning against harming minors under one’s care.
