The High Court in Nakuru has sentenced police Constable Jackson Kipkoech Konga to 30 years in prison for the fatal shooting of his superior, Sergeant Christopher Kimeli, during a heated altercation at the K9 Unit in Nakuru East Sub-County on August 8, 2023.
Justice Julius Nyangea delivered the verdict on Wednesday following a successful prosecution by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which relied on testimony from 10 witnesses to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.
The incident, described as a shocking breach of discipline within the police service, stemmed from a dispute during a routine shift inspection.
According to court proceedings, the conflict arose after Sergeant Kimeli directed that two overnight detainees be moved to the report office instead of Nakuru Central Police Station — a command that reportedly infuriated Konga.
Witnesses told the court that after a verbal altercation inside the report office, Constable Konga cocked his rifle and walked out. When Sergeant Kimeli followed, Konga turned and shot him, fatally wounding the officer.
In his testimony, Konga admitted to the earlier argument but maintained he was provoked.
However, Justice Nyangea ruled that the provocation did not excuse the deadly use of force.
“The accused acted with clear intent,” the judge said. “He was aware that discharging a firearm at close range would likely result in death. This was not a reflex action — it was deliberate.”
The court cited the gravity of the offence, the fatal outcome, and the use of a government-issued firearm as aggravating factors in sentencing.
The judge also noted that the act constituted a serious violation of police discipline and public trust.
Written by Were Kelly
