Court Hands 30-Year Sentence to Cop Who Fatally Shot Colleague

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has secured a 30-year prison sentence for police officer Ali Ahmed Mohammed after he murdered his colleague, Anthony Pkiror Areutum.

The case was prosecuted by Counsel Sidi Kirenge.

The High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Reuben Nyakundi, heard that on 27 February 2024 at about 1:00 p.m. at VDM Liquor Store in Trans Nzoia Sub-County, shortly after the two officers had completed their duty shift.

Mohammed, who serves in the Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit, entered the shop armed with a Taurus pistol issued to him earlier that morning.

Areutum raised concerns about how Mohammed handled the firearm and advised him to secure the weapon safely.

In response, Mohammed pointed the pistol toward the deceased in protest, and the gun discharged, fatally wounding Areutum and injuring Mohammed.

Prosecution Relies on Multiple Witnesses and Evidence

The prosecution, led by Counsel Sidi Kirenge, presented a strong case.

“We called five witnesses and submitted the arms movement register, the ballistics report, and the post-mortem report,” Kirenge said.

These exhibits confirmed the events that led to the fatal shooting.

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“The evidence clearly shows how the firearm was mishandled, resulting in the tragic loss of life,” Judge Nyakundi noted, praising the prosecution’s presentation

No Mitigating Factors Presented by Defence

The court highlighted that the defence failed to show any credible mitigating circumstances.

“The accused did not establish self-defence, provocation, immaturity, drunkenness, or accidental discharge,” Judge Nyakundi said.

He also condemned the unlawful use of a service weapon.

“The Taurus revolver was issued to the accused to safeguard the public in Trans Nzoia County,” he stated, “yet it was instead used to take the life of a fellow officer in the National Police Service.”

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Community and Police Reaction

The ruling provides some closure for Areutum’s family and colleagues.

Police leaders have reiterated the need for responsible firearm handling and professional conduct at all times.

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The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) headquarters. PHOTO/ODPP