Police Officer Sentenced to 30 Years for Killing Supervisor in Nakuru

 

By Brian Kiprop

 A police officer found guilty of murdering his senior in a dramatic confrontation at a police station has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.

The High Court in Nakuru convicted Jackson Kipkoech Konga of killing Sergeant Christopher Kimeli on August 8, 2023, at the K9 Unit Dog Section in Nakuru County.

The court heard that Konga had been issued with an AK-47 rifle, serial number BK 5804, and 30 rounds of ammunition for night sentry duty on the evening of August 7. He was stationed at Gate B alongside fellow officer Samson Kigo.

According to prosecution witnesses, the following morning at around 4 a.m., officers brought in two suspects. During routine inspection, Sergeant Kimeli instructed that the suspects be taken to the reporting office. A witness testified that a heated exchange then broke out after Kimeli allegedly berated Konga for failing to escort the suspects, calling him a “fool.”

Konga reportedly took offense at the insult and claimed that Kimeli had threatened to “finish” him. He allegedly cocked his gun and walked outside. Moments later, Kimeli followed him, and gunshots were heard.

“We heard gunshots. Konga then said, ‘I’ve finished him,’ and surrendered his firearm, asking to be arrested,” the witness testified.

Ballistic expert Francis Karori confirmed that the spent cartridge matched Konga’s assigned rifle. Of the 30 rounds, 29 remained unused.

Pathologist Dr. Titus Ngulungu, who conducted the postmortem, told the court that the bullet had exited through the back, creating a 40mm wound on the upper chest. He said the gunshot, fired at close range, had destroyed the lungs, heart, and spinal cord—leading to instant death.

In his defense, Konga claimed Kimeli had insulted and grabbed his weapon during a confrontation, and the rifle discharged accidentally during a struggle. He said he had no intent to kill his supervisor.

However, Justice Julius Nangea dismissed the accidental shooting claim, ruling that the evidence showed intent and malice aforethought.

“While the accused may have been insulted, such words do not amount to grave or sudden provocation to reduce the charge from murder. Shooting someone in the chest at close range clearly indicates an intention to kill,” Justice Nangea ruled.

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