NAKURU, Kenya — The High Court in Nakuru has convicted two police officers in separate murder cases involving the fatal shooting of three civilians, marking a significant milestone in efforts to enhance police accountability in Kenya.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) said the convictions involved a Police Constable and an Administration Police Constable who were found guilty in separate incidents that occurred in Nakuru County.
“The two convictions mark another milestone in IPOA’s efforts to promote police accountability and justice for victims of unlawful police actions,” the authority said.
In the first case, a Police Constable was convicted on two counts of murder over the deaths of John Maina and Charles Kariuki.
The two victims were fatally shot at Mercy Njeri Shopping Centre in Nakuru County on December 3, 2016.
In a separate judgment, an Administration Police Constable formerly attached to Salgaa Administration Police Post was convicted of murdering Emmanuel Makokha.
Makokha was shot dead at Salgaa Trading Centre on October 2, 2017.
IPOA welcomed the convictions, describing them as a significant step towards strengthening accountability within the National Police Service and ensuring justice for victims of unlawful police actions.
The authority said the rulings underscore its continued commitment to investigating cases involving police use of excessive or unlawful force and supporting the prosecution of officers found to have acted outside the law.
Sentencing is expected to follow in accordance with court procedures.
