All those within the courtroom waited with bated breath as Judge Julius Nangea began reading out his determination on the sentence that would be meted out to Jackson Konga.

“This court sentences you to 30 years in prison for the murder of Sergeant Christopher Kimeli,” said Judge Nangea.

At the back of the court room, tears rolled down Kimeli’s widow’s cheeks, as if a relief to the culmination of the two-year long court case.

As for Konga, he kept his head down hiding from the full glare of the cameras trained at him.

Upon his sentencing, one could notice the change in his demeanor.

As the court orderlies escorted him back to where he was sitting, he sat on the edge of the bench, with his face on his knees.

Naomi Kirui, the lawyer representing Kimeli’s family in the matter says they are satisfied with the judgment and are happy with the way the matter has been expedited, noting that the case that started in 2023 has come to an end in a record two years.

In a press interview, Ruth Chebet, Kimeli’s daughter, broke down recalling how on the day her father was shot, he was planning to pick her up from school.

“It is so painful I never got to see my dad again. Konga did a bad thing to our family, living me without a dad and no one to ever call a dad again. Even though I will never see my dad again, I am content that justice has been served,” she says.

Sergeant Kimeli was shot dead on 8^thAugust 2023 at the K9 Unit, Dog Section, Nakuru East Sub County. At the time of the killing, it was not clear as to what circumstances led to the altercation and his ultimate death.

During the court hearing, it was revealed that Konga got into a heated argument with his boss, who allegedly called him stupid.

According to Konga, that statement angered him, resulting to a scuffle ensuing. With the gun pressed on Kimeli, Konga said Kimeli accidently pulled the trigger in the process.

This was contrary to witness statements who testified having seen Konga shoot Kimeli at point blank range.

In his judgement judge Nangea said he was satisfied with the evidence and in the circumstances of the case, the accused intentionally killed the deceased.

He added that the prosecution had proven the charge beyond reasonable doubt.

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