The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has secured two murder convictions at the High Court in Nakuru in separate cases involving fatal police shootings, reaffirming its commitment to promoting accountability in the National Police Service and delivering justice for victims of police excesses.
In the first case, the High Court convicted Police Constable Francis Kiarie on 6th July 2026 on two counts of murder for the fatal shooting of John Maina and Charles Kariuki. The incident occurred on 3rd December 2016 at Mercy Njeri Shopping Centre in Nakuru County.
The case, registered as HCCR No. 034 of 2022, was investigated by the Authority before being forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for prosecution. Upon evaluating the evidence presented, the Court found the officer guilty on both counts of murder. Sentencing is pending.
In a separate judgement delivered on 9th July 2026, the High Court convicted APC Isaac Lekachuma, formerly attached to Salgaa AP Post, of the murder of Emmanuel Makokha. The offence arose from a shooting incident that occurred on 2nd October 2017 at Salgaa Trading Centre in Nakuru County. The matter, registered as HCCR No. 026 of 2022, was investigated by IPOA and subsequently prosecuted by the ODPP. The Court found the officer guilty of murder. Sentencing is also pending.
The two convictions underscore the importance of IPOA’s key mandate to independently investigate deaths and serious injuries arising from police action and recommend criminal prosecution or disciplinary action against culpable officers.