Eshikutu fined Sh 100 million plus eight years behind bars

When Catherine Eshikutu was given a chance to explain why she should not face a lengthy jail term, she told the court she was a mother of two sons, aged 19 and 15, and had learnt to endure life the hard way through the case.

She added that she had reformed during the 16 years she spent behind bars as the trial went on. Eshikuti pleaded for leniency, urging the court to allow her to serve her sentence outside prison walls.

However, Kahawa Court Magistrate Njeri Thuku said Eshikutu was not remorseful and maintained her innocence despite being found guilty.

Her stepbrother, interviewed by the probation office, described her as having a get-rich-quick mentality" but acknowledged that she had endured a difficult childhood.

Eshikutu, on her part, told the court she had been travelling to Ethiopia to meet a client for prostitution when she was arrested.

Magistrate Thuku noted that Eshikutu was in court because of Wangari. She observed, however, that Nduta's fate was only mentioned in passing and was not part of the case.

The magistrate further said the 2023 sentencing guidelines should be amended to take in into account aggravating factors, even in drugs related offences.

According to the magistrate, the offence amounted to a criminal enterprise and was classified as a transnational organized crime.

"She is to pay a fine of Sh100 million or serve one year in prison, in addition to a custodial sentence of eight years and six months. The default sentence will run concurrently with the term of imprisonment," the magistrate ruled.

Court records show that Eshikutu, born in 1987 and now aged 38, lost her parents at a young age and endured a difficult childhood. She studied up to Class Eight and later worked as a house help before turning to prostitution.

She admitted to the court that she had earned her living through sex work both within and outside Kenya.

The probation office, however, concluded that she was not suitable for a non-custodial sentence.