A police constable named Jackson Kipkoech Konga has been sentenced to 30 years in prison by the Nakuru High Court for fatally shooting his senior officer, Sergeant Christopher Kimeli.
The tragic incident happened on August 8, 2023, at the K9 Unit based in Nakuru East Sub-County after a heated exchange between the two officers.
What Happened on the Day of the Shooting?
During the court proceedings, Konga admitted that on that fateful morning, a disagreement broke out after Sergeant Kimeli questioned how he had handled two suspects brought in overnight.
At the time, Konga was on night duty guarding Gate B, when other officers arrived with the suspects who had allegedly been involved in a theft.
Konga testified that Kimeli, as part of his usual morning inspection, ordered the suspects to be taken to the report office. Once there, Kimeli demanded to know why the suspects hadn’t been transferred to Nakuru Central Police Station.
According to Konga, before he could explain, the sergeant began shouting at him, calling him “stupid” and accusing him of not knowing how to do his job.
Konga said he remained silent at first, but Kimeli allegedly continued to berate him in front of other officers, then tried to grab Konga’s gun, which caused a physical struggle.
Konga told the court that during the tussle, the firearm’s nozzle was pushed toward Kimeli’s chest, and a bullet was fired—allegedly after Kimeli pulled the trigger in the scuffle. This incident took place about 50 metres from the main entrance of the K9 Unit.
Court Rejects Konga’s Defense
However, the court heard a different version from multiple eyewitnesses. Justice Julius Nangea, who delivered the ruling, said that other police officers testified that Konga appeared visibly angry after the argument.
They said he cocked his firearm, left the report office, and walked away. Kimeli then followed him outside, where Konga turned around and shot him.
Justice Nangea noted that although Konga had been provoked, his response was deliberate and excessive. “There is clear and undisputed evidence that the deceased followed the accused outside, and it was at that location—several metres away—that he was gunned down,” said the judge.
After the Shooting
After the shooting, Konga reportedly handed over his weapon calmly without any resistance. Several officers testified that Konga told them, “I have finished him. I’m now a civilian.” These statements, along with the way he surrendered, were key pieces of evidence in the trial.
Judge’s Final Verdict
Justice Nangea ruled that Konga acted intentionally when he pulled the trigger, adding that anyone trained in firearm use understands the deadly consequences of such an act. “The prosecution has proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt,” he concluded.
While acknowledging that Sergeant Kimeli’s words may have provoked Konga, the judge emphasized that provocation does not excuse murder, especially in a disciplined force like the police service.
The harsh sentence was influenced by the seriousness of the offence, the setting in which it occurred, and the fact that a firearm was misused to take a life.
Konga will now serve a 30-year sentence for the killing of his superior officer—a case that has sparked wider discussions about discipline, anger management, and mental health support within the police service.
Join Gen Z New WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
