Eldoret, Kenya – Monday
Two former police officers have been sentenced to 35 years in prison each after being found guilty of torturing and killing a 31-year-old man who was arrested for failing to wear a face mask at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Eldoret High Court, presided over by Justice Reuben Nyakundi, on Monday ruled that the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that the officers, Emmanuel Wafula, 38, and Godfrey Sirengo, 35, were responsible for the brutal death of Dennis Lusava on October 7, 2020.
According to court records, Lusava was arrested at Mbururu Police Post in Likuyani Sub-County, Kakamega County, for allegedly flouting COVID-19 containment measures. The officers handcuffed him to the window of the police cells before subjecting him to torture, which resulted in his death.
The prosecution further revealed that, in an attempt to cover up the murder, the officers stuffed the body of the father of two into a gunny bag and dumped it in River Nzoia, along the border of Bungoma and Kakamega counties.
Evidence and Witness Testimonies
The case, which has taken five years to conclude, saw 21 witnesses testify, including the deceased’s parents, Safani Malongo and Agnes Ambale, who recounted their son’s arrest and the pain of his loss.
Prosecutor Sidi Kirengo presented 27 exhibits during the trial, which were instrumental in linking the former officers to the murder.
In their defense, Wafula and Sirengo denied any wrongdoing and had pleaded for a non-custodial sentence, a request Justice Nyakundi firmly dismissed.
Judge’s Ruling
In his judgment, Justice Nyakundi condemned the officers’ conduct, stating that they were entrusted with the responsibility of protecting life and property but chose to abuse their power.
“The officers had absolutely no reason to torture the suspect and end his life. They had what it takes to secure the life of the deceased, but instead, they chose to violate the very law they swore to uphold,” the Judge ruled.
The Judge noted that the victim, who left behind two children aged 9 and 14, was deprived of his right to life in a cruel and inhumane manner.
The sentencing marks a rare but significant conviction of police officers for extrajudicial killing in Kenya, a country where human rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns about police brutality and impunity.
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