A police officer in Nakuru has been handed a 30-year jail term for fatally shooting his senior colleague in what the court found to be a deliberate and unjustified act.

Delivering judgment on July 24, Justice Julius Nangea ruled that constable Jackson Kipkoech Konga unlawfully killed Sergeant Christopher Kimeli at the Nakuru K9 Unit in August 2023, dismissing claims that the fatal shooting was the result of provocation or panic.

“The accused may have been angered by the deceased’s conduct, but the circumstances did not amount to grave or sudden provocation that would excuse the crime of murder,” said Justice Nangea.

According to court records, the incident occurred after a disagreement between the two officers.

Kipkoech had been deployed for night duty on August 7, 2023, with an AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds. The following morning, Sergeant Kimeli reportedly confronted him over failure to escort suspects to the reporting office.

Witnesses testified that Kimeli publicly berated Kipkoech, calling him a “fool,” which led to a tense exchange. Shortly after, Kipkoech stepped outside and cocked his rifle. Kimeli followed him — only for gunfire to erupt moments later.

“We heard the shots, then Kipkoech said, ‘I’ve finished him,’ and handed over his firearm,” one witness told the court.

Ballistics expert Francis Karori confirmed that both the bullets and spent cartridge collected from the scene matched the rifle assigned to Kipkoech, identifying distinct firing pin marks unique to the weapon.

Kipkoech, in his defence, told the court that the gun discharged accidentally during a scuffle, claiming Kimeli had tried to seize the rifle after insulting him.

But Justice Nangea dismissed the explanation as inconsistent and unconvincing, concluding that the close-range shooting pointed to a clear intent to kill.

“The kind of weapon used leaves no doubt that the accused knew death could result. This was not an act of panic, but one of malicious intent,” he said.

The ruling was met with relief from the slain officer’s family. Family lawyer Naomi Kirui welcomed the verdict, saying it offered long-awaited justice within a short timeframe.

Lawi Kipchumba, a relative and area MCA, described the ruling as a signal that the judiciary remains committed to upholding justice and restoring public trust.

Kipkoech will serve the full sentence without the option of a fine.