High Court convicts police officer over 2019 murder

The High Court in Voi has convicted a police officer of the rank of corporal for the murder of Esau Juma Mwanguku, which occurred in March 2019.

The judgment was issued on May 12, with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) making the announcement amid growing pressure to hold the police accountable.

In addition to the conviction, the court also cancelled the officer’s bond, ordering him to be detained at Manyani GK Prison pending sentencing, scheduled for June 2, 2026.

According to court records, the officer is accused of fatally shooting Mwanguku at Rockland Restaurant in Taveta Town, where both men had been drinking at the time.

The incident prompted an immediate investigation by the IPOA, which acted independently to ensure the matter was thoroughly examined.

IPOA said it recommended that the officer be charged with murder, citing sufficient evidence to support the case in court.

“The matter was investigated Suo Moto by the Authority. Upon completion of investigations, IPOA recommended that the officer be charged with murder,” IPOA said.

The High Court found the evidence compelling, ruling that the officer’s actions directly caused the death of Mwanguku.

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Reports on the incident indicate that the officer was on patrol when he encountered the victim, allegedly confronting him over a personal dispute.

According to witnesses, the altercation escalated into violence since both men were intoxicated at the time.

The police officer reportedly fired a single bullet into Mwanguku’s chest, which killed him instantly.

The nightclub’s manager, Francis Chege, said he immediately reported the shooting to Taveta Police Station, prompting the officer’s arrest.

The judgment comes amid calls for greater accountability within police institutions, especially for harm caused to civilians.

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