Two Police Officers Jailed for 40 Years for Killing Suspect in Custody

Wendy Nyambura 4 hours ago

Two police officers have been sentenced to 30 and 10 years in prison after being found guilty of killing a suspect while in custody at Nyamatoki Police Post in Nyamira County.

In a judgment delivered after a full trial, Police Corporal James Ogwagwa Nyakina was handed a 30 year jail term.

While Police Constable Jackson Kirui Kipngeno on the other hand received a 10 year sentence for their role in the murder of Amos Kemosi Kereri.

The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Joel Chirchir, who led the case through to the conclusion.

The court heard that the incident took place on August 19 2019, after the two officers, who were on night patrol alongside their colleagues, arrested Kereri and took him to the police post.

While in custody, the two police officers assaulted him.

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According to the prosecution, the suspect sustained serious injuries during the assault.

Kereri was later taken to hospital the following morning, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Evidence

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) told the court that the actions of the two officers directly led to Kereri’s death.

This successfully proved to the court the charge of murder against the two.

A total of 14 witnesses were called during the trial, providing evidence that placed the officers at the centre of the assault to the suspect.

The testimonies of the witnesses helped the court reconstruct the events leading up to Kereri’s death and find out those accountable.

Judgement Delivered

The sentencing of the police officers brings to an end a case that has been in the justice system for several years.

It has also highlighted concerns around the treatment of suspects in police custody and the use of excessive force by police officers.

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The court’s decision shows the legal accountability of law enforcement officers and also indicates that those entrusted with upholding the law can also be held responsible when they violate it.

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