From ‘Untouchable’ to Life in Prison: The Rise and Fall of Police Constable Yunus Athman
Police Constable Yunus Athman, once feared in Likoni, is now serving life imprisonment for murder. Here’s how arrogance, abuse of power, and an IPOA investigation led to his dramatic fall.
Athman, who was serving under the Administration Police (AP) before the merger into the Kenya Police Service, transitioned into the General Duty unit during the restructuring of the force. By what many describe as “luck,” he was posted to Likoni, a coastal region known for periodic security challenges.
While stationed there, he joined SPIV the Special Police Unit based at Likoni Police Station. Colleagues say that after joining the unit, his behavior began to change. His confidence grew into arrogance. He allegedly began disregarding fellow officers and treating civilians with intimidation and excessive force.
Despite holding the rank of Police Constable, the lowest rank in the National Police Service, locals reportedly nicknamed him “OCS” due to the authority he exercised in the area.
The Operation That Changed Everything
According to court proceedings, Athman and his team received intelligence about a young man allegedly involved in criminal activities within the area. Acting on the information, they began tracking the suspect.
One day, they received further intelligence that the suspect was at his home. The team rushed there immediately. However, upon arrival, they found that the suspect had already fled.
Instead of continuing their search, they encountered the suspect’s brother inside the compound.
What happened next would shock the community.
Rather than leaving and pursuing the actual suspect, Athman and his team allegedly began assaulting the brother. During the confrontation, Athman shot the unarmed man in the arm and neck. He later succumbed to the injuries.
The victim was not the suspect they were pursuing.
Community Outrage and IPOA Investigation
The killing sparked widespread anger in Likoni. Residents demanded accountability, arguing that an innocent man had been executed in his own home.
The case was escalated and investigated by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). After reviewing evidence and witness accounts, IPOA concluded that Athman had a case to answer.
He was interdicted, and formal murder charges were filed.
A Case That Fell Apart for the Officer
During the trial, Athman claimed that the victim had been armed with a machete and that he acted in self-defense. However, the court required proof.
Neither Athman nor his legal team were able to produce the alleged machete in court. No credible evidence was presented to support the self-defense claim.
In addition, the prosecution argued that the act was not accidental or spontaneous. The case initially opened as manslaughter but was later upgraded to premeditated murder after the court observed elements suggesting deliberate action.
The trial also revealed deeper cracks within the police service. Reports emerged that some of Athman’s close associates from the SPIV unit attempted to interfere with the case by targeting a witness. Instead of helping his defense, the alleged interference worsened his legal position.
Meanwhile, many officers outside his immediate unit distanced themselves from him. His previously strained relationships with colleagues became evident during the proceedings.
Even when fellow officers were once sent to disarm him following internal concerns, he reportedly resisted and showed open disrespect, a move that further isolated him within the service.
The Verdict
With no strong defense, no physical evidence to support his claims, and mounting testimony against him, the court delivered a decisive ruling.
Police Constable Yunus Athman was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.
A Lesson to Serving Officers
This case sends a strong message to law enforcement officers, particularly those in specialized or high-risk units.
Authority is not immunity. Rank is not protection. And no officer is above the law.
Taking the law into one’s own hands may feel powerful in the moment but justice, eventually, catches up.
The story of Police Constable Yunus Athman is a chilling reminder of how unchecked power and arrogance can destroy not only lives but careers.