Man Accused of Robbery, Sexual Offenses Sentenced to Death

A man accused of a string of heinous crimes involving sexual violence and armed robbery has been sentenced to death by the Kibera Law Courts. 

In a statement on Friday, July 25, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said Luka Andove was found guilty on seven counts, including robbery with violence, rape, and attempted rape.

Andove received three death sentences for robbery with violence, three life sentences for rape, and a further life sentence for attempted rape.

The sentencing was delivered by Senior Principal Magistrate Zainab Abdul, who described the crimes as repetitive, calculated, and inhumane.

"Senior Principal Magistrate Abdul while delivering the judgment, noted that the prosecution team, comprising Ms. Kainga, Mr. Mutune, and Ms. Keitany, had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt," the statement read.

The court heard that Andove targeted vulnerable women by posing as someone who could help them find employment.

Once he gained their trust, he would offer them a ride on his motorbike, pretending to take them to job interviews.

However, Andove would instead take them to Ngong Forest, where he sexually assaulted and robbed them at knifepoint

"The court noted that the prosecution's evidence showed how the perpetrator, Mr. Andove, lured his victims by pretending to assist them in finding employment.

"He would pick them up on his motorbike under the guise of taking them to job interviews. However, upon reaching Ngong Forest, he would rape and rob them at knifepoint," the statement added.

Investigators linked Andove to multiple cases following a detailed review of his methods and timelines. 

Despite initially evading justice, police eventually apprehended him after setting up a sting operation.

"The accused had successfully evaded justice for a period, but investigations revealed a consistent pattern in the offences. Acting on this, the police set a trap and managed to apprehend him in the act—armed and attempting to rape and rob a fourth victim," the statement further read.

The court noted that the repeated nature of Andove's crimes showed a clear intent and disregard for human dignity, necessitating the maximum legal punishment.

"In sentencing, the court noted the gravity and repetitive nature of the crimes, observing that the accused demonstrated 'a complete lack of humanity' and warranted the maximum penalty under the law," the statement concluded.

Andove is set to begin serving his death sentence immediately.

The additional life sentences will remain in abeyance unless the death sentence is overturned on appeal or commuted.