The High Court in Nakuru has handed a 30-year prison sentence to police constable Jackson Kipkoech Konga for the fatal shooting of his senior, Sergeant Christopher Kimeli, in an incident that shocked the police service.
The shooting took place on August 8, 2023, at the K9 Unit in Nakuru East Sub-County.
The conviction follows a successful prosecution by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which called 10 witnesses to testify in court.
According to witness statements, the fatal altercation began inside the report office when an argument broke out between the two officers.
Constable Konga was reportedly angered by remarks he felt were insulting. After cocking his firearm, he left the office. Sergeant Kimeli followed him out, but Konga turned around and shot him.
Appearing before Justice Julius Nyangea, the accused admitted there had been a confrontation earlier that morning.
The dispute began when Sergeant Kimeli, during his routine morning inspection, ordered that two suspects who had spent the night in custody at the K9 Unit be taken to the report office instead of Nakuru Central Police Station.
That decision, the court heard, triggered the quarrel that spiraled into violence.
While issuing the sentence, Justice Nyangea noted that there had indeed been some provocation. However, he ruled that the accused’s reaction was disproportionate and criminal. The judge said Konga acted with clear intent to kill.
“The nature of the weapon used demonstrated an understanding that death was a likely outcome,” said Justice Nyangea.
The court weighed several factors in determining the sentence. These included the severity of the offence, the fatal outcome, the use of a firearm, and what the judge termed a serious breach of discipline within the National Police Service.
The case has raised broader concerns about stress, discipline, and internal conflict within Kenya’s police force, which has faced growing scrutiny over mental health and use of force among officers.
Konga will serve the 30-year sentence without the option of a fine.
