Police Constable Jackson Konga has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of his superior officer, Christopher Kimeli, in a 2023 shooting incident at the K9 unit in Nakuru.

The sentence was delivered on Thursday by High Court Judge Julius Nangea, who found Konga guilty of fatally shooting Kimeli on the morning of August 8, 2023, following a reported disagreement over the handling of two suspects.

“Having reviewed all the relevant factors and circumstances, the court sentences him to 30 years imprisonment,” ruled Justice Nangea, adding that Konga has 14 days to appeal the conviction and sentence.

The court heard that a dispute between the two officers escalated, leading Constable Konga to open fire, resulting in Kimeli’s death.

The ruling was welcomed by the late officer’s family. Their lawyer, Naomi Kirui, stated, “Mimi kama wakili wa familia, nimeona haki imetendeka,” translating to “As the family’s lawyer, I have seen justice served.”

The case has highlighted the importance of conflict resolution mechanisms within law enforcement units and raised broader concerns about firearm use among police officers.