A High Court has sentenced two police officers to 40 years in prison for murdering a suspect inside a police cell in Nyamira County.
The court heard that the incident occurred in August 2019, when the two officers arrested a man during a night patrol operation in Nyamatoki village. The suspect was taken to a local police post for processing. However, what was expected to be routine detention quickly turned into a fatal episode, with prosecutors alleging that the man was assaulted while in custody.
According to court proceedings, the victim sustained serious injuries inside the cell. Despite efforts to save him, he later succumbed after being rushed to hospital the following morning.
The prosecution built its case over several years of investigation and trial, presenting testimony from 14 witnesses, including individuals who described events leading up to the death.
The court was told that the victim had been beaten while under police custody, with evidence pointing to excessive use of force by the officers responsible for his detention.
In its judgment, the High Court found both officers guilty of murder, concluding that the evidence met the threshold required to prove intent and unlawful conduct leading to death. One of the officers was sentenced to 30 years in prison, while his co-accused received a 10-year sentence, reflecting the court’s assessment of their respective levels of responsibility in the fatal incident.
The ruling was described by authorities as a strong statement against abuse of power, particularly within law enforcement agencies mandated to protect citizens and uphold the law.
Human rights observers have often raised concerns about incidents of police brutality in custody settings, and this case has been cited as an example of the justice system holding officers accountable after a prolonged legal process.
For the family of the deceased, the ruling brings a measure of closure after nearly seven years of waiting for justice.
The case has drawn renewed attention to accountability within the National Police Service.