The High Court in Nyandarua has sentenced former police officer William Muriuki Nyaga to 30 years in prison for the killing of an unarmed civilian, a decision that has reignited debate about accountability within the police service.
The court heard that Nyaga assaulted Stephen Githinji Ndiuni at Equator Springs Hotel in the Gwa Kungu area on May 24, 2020. After an earlier disturbance at the hotel was dispersed, Nyaga reportedly remained behind drinking.
Later that night, during a curfew operation, Githinji was apprehended. According to court records, Nyaga beat him until he lost consciousness before dragging him to the entrance of the club. The victim was later found lying outside the restaurant the following morning, having succumbed to the injuries.
While delivering the sentence, the judge said Nyaga had betrayed the public trust placed in law enforcement officers. The court emphasized that police are entrusted with protecting life, not taking it. The judge also noted that leaving the injured man outside overnight demonstrated cruelty and a disregard for human life.
Nyaga had initially been charged with murder alongside two civilians. However, the civilians were later acquitted after the court found they did not participate in the fatal assault. The charge against Nyaga was reduced to manslaughter after prosecutors failed to prove intent to kill.
The case was investigated by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, while the deceased’s family was represented by International Justice Mission Kenya.
The ruling has prompted renewed calls from rights groups for stronger oversight and firm consequences for officers who abuse their authority.
