NAKURU POLICE OFFICER SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS FOR KILLING HIS BOSS

A Nakuru-based police officer has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the fatal shooting of his superior during a heated altercation in August 2023.
Police Constable Jackson Kipkoech Kong’a, who was attached to the Rift Valley K9 Unit, was found guilty of murdering Sergeant Christopher Kimeli. The High Court in Nakuru ruled that Kong’a intentionally shot his boss at close range with his service rifle after a disagreement escalated during a routine inspection.
In his judgment, Justice Julius Nangea dismissed claims that Kong’a acted in self-defence or was provoked. The court emphasized that verbal insults could not justify the use of lethal force.
"The accused used excessive and unjustifiable force. The evidence presented left no doubt that the act was deliberate," Justice Nangea said during the sentencing.
The tragic incident occurred on August 8, 2023, at the K9 Unit premises. Witnesses testified that Kong’a appeared angry after being reprimanded by Sergeant Kimeli over work-related duties. Moments later, he retrieved his firearm and fatally shot the officer in the chest.
The case has drawn national attention, reigniting concerns over mental health among police officers and conduct within disciplined forces.
Kong’a, who had been in remand throughout the trial, has the right to appeal the ruling.