A popular police officer Titus Musila, alias Katitu
who shot dead a man during an operation at Githurai 45 in 2013 has been convicted.
High court Judge James Wakiaga said the prosecution has proved that Katitu- a famous crime buster, intentionally killed Kenneth Mwangi six years ago.
Katitu shot into the limelight after hundreds of residents, in support of the operation to wipe out criminals in the area, blocked Thika Superhighway for a week protesting his arrest.
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Justice Wakiaga said it was proved beyond reasonable doubt that the officer shot the deceased at close range three times leading to his death.
"After evaluating evidence laid before the court I find that the accused had malice to murder the deceased," Wakiaga said.
"I find the accused guilty of the charge and convict him accordingly," the judge said.
He said the officer, even though was fighting crime, was expected to protect the life of Kenneth by handcuffing him and taking him into custody instead of shooting him in the head.
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A post-mortem report tabled in court showed that the deceased died due to gunshot wounds.
The judge declined to accept the argument that Katiku was loved by residents for his resilient in fighting crime saying justice does not recognise popularity.
The judge, however, directed a probation officer to hand in a report before February 27, when Katitu will be sentenced.
The officer had earlier asked the court to acquit him saying he did nothing wrong.
The former officer said he was posted in the area 10 years before the incident at a time when "shoes were being sold while still on the owners’ feet".
Katitu, while being led through his testimony by his lawyer Cliff Ombeta, also revealed that he belonged to 'SPIV', a squad that had been formed to fight crime in Githurai following complaints from members of the public.
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