The International Justice Mission (IJM) has welcomed the sentencing of two police officers to 35 years in prison each following their conviction in connection with the 2020 death of 31-year-old Dennis Lusava.
The human rights organisation described the ruling as a major milestone in efforts to tackle police abuse and impunity in Kenya.
“This decision sends a strong signal to all serving officers that those who engage in criminal acts will be held accountable,” said IJM Kenya Country Director Vincent Chahale after the verdict was delivered at the High Court.
He noted that the judgment comes amid growing concern over deaths in police custody, referencing the recent case of Albert Ojwang.
The two officers, Emmanuel Wafula and Godwine Wekesa, were found guilty of unlawfully detaining and torturing Lusava at Mbururu Police Post. His body was later recovered from River Nzoia.
Justice Reuben Nyakundi delivered the ruling following a trial that involved 21 prosecution witnesses and 27 exhibits.
In his judgment, Justice Nyakundi stated that the prosecution had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Janice Muchemi, an IJM advocate who represented the Lusava family throughout the trial, termed the outcome a step toward restoring public trust in the justice system.
“Today marks a significant milestone. It brings solace to victims of such acts and hope to families still waiting for justice,” she said.
“Though delayed, this verdict reaffirms our trust in the justice system.”
Muchemi also commended the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Judiciary for their roles in the five-year pursuit of justice.
"Justice for Dennis would not have been possible without their collective efforts,” she said.
Lusava’s family expressed quiet relief after years of waiting.
“Though nothing can bring Dennis back, today’s sentence brings us peace and begins the healing process,” said his mother.
Wilfred Mesocho, a psychologist with IJM, commended the court’s handling of the case.
“The judge conducted the proceedings with exceptional sensitivity and empathy, offering survivors a sense of dignity, validation, and hope,” he said.
According to case details, on October 4, 2022, Lusava had an encounter with the officers in Mbururu town. An altercation reportedly ensued, drawing public attention and intervention.
On October 7, Lusava was allegedly lured to the police station, where he was arrested and placed in custody.
Reports presented in court indicated that while in custody, he sustained serious injuries. His mother, Ambale, found him in poor condition during a visit and was reportedly asked to pay for his release.
Despite attempts to seek medical assistance, Lusava was returned to the station. A doctor testified to hearing him in distress shortly before he became unresponsive.
His body was later discovered in River Nzoia and identified by his family on October 11.
A post-mortem report showed that he had suffered multiple injuries leading to circulatory failure.
