Jackson Konga: Nakuru Police Officer Who Killed Boss Sentenced to 30 Years
- A high court has delivered a long-awaited judgment in a case involving two officers and a fatal confrontation
- In his earlier testimony, the convicted officer, Jackson Konga, explained the reasons which led to the exchange, but the court found his actions intentional and unjustified
- The victim’s family and local community expressed relief and satisfaction following the sentencing of the officer
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
The Nakuru High Court has sentenced Police Constable Jackson Kipkoech Konga to 30 years in prison for the murder of his superior on August 8, 2023.
Source: UGC
The court found that Konga fatally shot Sergeant Christopher Kimeli at the K9 Unit in Nakuru East sub-county following a heated altercation.
The prosecution told the court that Konga was issued an AK-47 rifle, serial number BK 5804, and 30 rounds of ammunition on the evening of August 7 for night sentry duty at Gate B.
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)
Ballistics expert Francis Karori confirmed that the recovered spent cartridge and the 29 remaining rounds were fired from the same rifle, citing unique firing pin impressions as evidence.
What led to Kimeli's fatal shooting?
Witnesses, including fellow officers, testified that after the argument, Konga cocked his firearm and walked out of the reporting office. Kimeli reportedly followed him, at which point Konga turned and fired the fatal shot.
During the trial, Konga admitted that the confrontation began after Kimeli questioned how he handled two suspects brought in overnight.
The convict claimed that Kimeli insulted him in front of colleagues and grabbed his firearm, leading to a scuffle in which the fatal shot was triggered.
"Before I could explain, the sergeant called me stupid and said I didn’t know how to do my job," Konga said in his past testimony.
Can Jackson Konga appeal the sentence?
Justice Julius Nangea ruled that although there was provocation, Konga’s reaction was deliberate and disproportionate.
He noted that the use of a firearm in such a setting indicated clear intent and awareness of the consequences.
“The prosecution has proved the charge beyond a reasonable doubt,” Justice Nangea said, adding that Konga has 14 days to appeal the sentence.
The sentencing considered the loss of life, the type of weapon involved, and the fact that the crime occurred within a disciplined security force.
Kimeli’s family expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision.
The family’s lawyer, Naomi Kirui, said they believed justice had been served, sentiments echoed by residents who welcomed the ruling.
Man charged with punching police officer
Elsewhere, Milimani Law Courts charged Emmanuel Mayi Onyango with impersonating a police officer, assaulting a law enforcement officer, and resisting arrest.
Source: UGC
The charges stemmed from a July 18 incident at the Ngara Total Energies Service Station, where Onyango allegedly posed as a police officer and attempted to arrest a man over claims of possessing a suspected stolen silver necklace.
During the altercation, Onyango was accused of assaulting a police officer from Ngara Police Station by punching him.
He pleaded not guilty to all three charges and was released on a bond of KSh 100,000 pending the hearing.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
