A High Court in Nyandarua has sentenced former police officer William Muriuki Nyaga to 30 years in prison for the killing of an unarmed civilian in a case that shocked residents and raised questions about abuse of power by law enforcers.
The court heard that Nyaga assaulted Stephen Githinji Ndiuni at Equator Springs Hotel in the Gwa Kungu area on May 24, 2020.Evidence showed that after an earlier disturbance at the hotel was dispersed, Nyaga remained behind drinking.
Later that night, Githinji was apprehended during a curfew operation.
According to court records, Nyaga beat the man until he lost consciousness.
He then dragged him to the entrance of the club.The court heard that Nyaga beat the victim until he fainted before dragging him to the restaurant entrance, where he was later found lying dead the following morning.
While delivering the sentence, the judge said Nyaga had betrayed public trust.
The court noted that police officers are given authority to protect life, not to take it.
The judge added that leaving the victim outside overnight showed cruelty and total disregard for human life.
Nyaga had initially been charged with murder together with two civilians, but the civilians were later freed after the court found they did not take part in the fatal assault.The charge against Nyaga was reduced to manslaughter after the prosecution failed to prove intent to kill.
The case was investigated by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, while the family of the deceased was represented by the International Justice Mission Kenya.
The ruling has renewed calls for accountability within the police service, with rights groups urging strict punishment for officers who abuse their power.