The High Court in Bungoma has found a former Police officer guilty of Murder.
Constable Francis Amulei Iyaya was found guilty of seriously assaulting George Namalwa Wekesa in Butonge Village, Bungoma County on 26th December 2018 resulting in his death.
Mr Iyaya was jointly charged with PC Paul Kilonzo, PC Emmanuel Otieno and PC Eutycus Wambugu, following investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
On its own motion, IPOA took up the investigation following social media reports, and recommended that the four be prosecuted.
Justice D.K. Kemei convicted Iyaya during the judgement read on Friday, April, 19, 2024 but acquitted the other 3 officers.
The particulars of the matter were that at 3.20pm on 26 December, 2018 in Butonge Village in Bungoma County ten police officers from Malakisi Police Station were contacted by the chief Mr Francis Wandabwa to conduct a crackdown on illicit brew.
During the raid, the four police officers were tasked with guarding already arrested prisoners while their six colleagues proceeded to arrest more.
The Court heard that the deceased was assaulted by the four officers and was later pronounced dead at the Malakisi health centre where he had been taken for medical attention by the police vehicle when he could no longer walk.
Upon conviction on Friday, the convict’s bond was cancelled and he was thereby detained pending the Pre-Sentence Report to be availed in Court on 2nd May, 2024 when the matter will be mentioned before sentencing.
