NYAHURURU, Kenya — The High Court in Nyandarua has convicted a police officer and a civilian for the 2022 killing of Paul Mureithi, bringing to a close a three-year quest for justice in a case that drew scrutiny over police conduct and community safety.
Justice Kiarie Waweru on Thursday found Police Constable Evans Mokaya Motari—formerly stationed at Kandutura Police Post—and civilian James Njoroge Muriithi guilty of manslaughter, ruling that both men were responsible for the violent assault that led to Mureithi’s death.
Prosecutors told the court that on the night of April 12, 2022, the two attacked Mureithi at Kandutura Trading Centre after a night of drinking at the nearby Mla Chake Bar. Witnesses testified that Mureithi, moments before his death, named both Mokaya and Njoroge as the individuals who beat him using a hoe handle.
Originally charged with murder, the judge substituted the offence with manslaughter after concluding that the prosecution had not met the legal threshold to prove malice aforethought. Thirteen witnesses testified during the trial, including officers who responded to the scene.
Evidence presented in court included a broken jembe hoe believed to have been used in the assault, a blood-stained sisal rope, barbed wire, a shoe, and socks—all recovered by investigators.
A store receipt linked PC Mokaya to the purchase of the jembe days before the incident, while DNA analysis confirmed that Njoroge’s genetic material was present on the weapon.
A post-mortem examination showed Mureithi suffered extensive blunt-force injuries, including a fractured femur, contributing to his rapid deterioration after he was found by members of the public and police officers.
The International Justice Mission (IJM) Kenya, which represented the victim’s family as counsel, welcomed the ruling. Country Director Vincent Chahale said the conviction “sends a strong and necessary message” that police officers who commit criminal acts will be held accountable.
IJM advocate Julius Nyagah, who led the victim representation, said the judgment brings relief to Mureithi’s family and reinforces the call for justice in cases involving alleged police abuse.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 4, 2025, when both convicts will be returned to court for mitigation and final orders.
