Nakuru Officer Convicted After Fatally Shooting Boss Over Insult

A Nakuru police constable has been convicted of murder following the fatal shooting of his superior officer, Sergeant Christopher Kimeli, at their station in August 2023. 

Constable Jackson Kipkoech Kong'a, formerly of the K9 Unit, awaits sentencing on 1 July, in a case that has highlighted issues of authority, emotional control, and professional conduct within the police force. The incident occurred in the early hours of 8 August when Senior Sergeant Kimeli approached Kong'a, who was on sentry duty, for a routine inspection. According to witness statements, a verbal exchange escalated after Kimeli questioned procedural lapses in suspect custody. 

Kong'a reportedly felt insulted by Kimeli's remarks, which included being called a "fool" and a warning that he would be "finished." Minutes later, a gunshot was heard, and Kimeli was found approximately 50 metres from the station gate.

Government pathologist Dr Titus Ngulungu's post-mortem examination confirmed that Kimeli died from a single, close-range bullet wound to the chest, causing severe damage to his lungs, heart, and spine. 

Forensic evidence linked the fatal shot to Kong'a's service firearm, which he surrendered after the incident, saying he was "a civilian ready to be arrested". Justice Julius Nangea rejected the defence's argument of provocation as a justification for the use of deadly force. While acknowledging the accused may have been angered, the judge ruled that it "was no grave or sudden provocation so as to remove the case from the realm of murder in law." 

The court affirmed that the prosecution presented irrefutable evidence establishing guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Kong'a remains in custody pending sentencing.