The High Court in Nyandarua has convicted four former General Service Unit (GSU) officers of murder.
The four ex-officers including ex-IP Harrison Mwa, ex-CPL John Kimwele, ex-PC Linus Terer, and ex-PC Joseph Mureithi were found guilty of killing Mary Chepkorir Kiprotich during an operation on illicit brew in 2020.
In a statement seen by The Kenya Times, Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) noted that they investigated the matter after which they recommended the prosecution of the ex-officers formerly attached to the Majiwa GSU Camp.
Others prosecuted in the case were two Administration Chiefs: David Kipkemoi Kebenei, Chief Kiambogo location, and Asst. Chief Gatirima Magdalene Nachapai who were however acquitted on benefit of doubt.
Justice Charles Kariuki who delivered the judgement stated that the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that there was malice aforethought for the four former police officers.
He also added that the evidence produced before the court was satisfying, further directing that they be detained at the Nyahururu GK Prisons awaiting sentencing.
“The judge ordered that the four officers be detained at the Nyahururu GK Prisons pending sentencing,” read part of a February 22 statement by IPOA.
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Ex-GSU Officers Apprehended
In 2021 The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) preferred murder charges against the six accused following a probe submitted by the Independent Police Oversight Authority.
In the case a police inspector, a corporal and four police constables had been accused of killing Mary Chepkorir Kiprotich at her home in Laikipia County.
A statement by IPOA revealed that the suspects stormed Ms. Kipkorir’s home during an operation targeting the sale of illegal brews after which they assaulted and killed her.
“The officers attached to Majiwa General Service Unit (GSU) camp had accompanied the area Chief in conducting an operation against the sale of illegal alcohol, during which she died,” IPOA revealed.
IPOA
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) provides for civilian oversight over the work of the police in Kenya. Its functions are provided in Section 6 of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act established in 2011.
Also, the oversight authority is mandated to devolve its services to the counties according to Article 6 of the Constitution.
Some of its responsibilities include investigating deaths and serious injuries caused by police action as well as misconduct.
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Others include to receives complaints from police officers against officers and to monitor, review and audit investigations and actions by the internal affairs unit of the Police.
Additionally, it conducts inspections of police premises to access if they meet basic predefined standards, and that treatment of suspects and detainees is in line with the principles laid down in the Constitution.