Two police officers sentenced to 40 years in jail for killing suspect in their custody

Two police officers have been sentenced to a combined 40 years in prison after being convicted of killing a suspect inside a police cell in Nyamira County.

According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the officers were found guilty over the death of Amos Kemosi Kereri, who died on August 19, 2019 after being held at Nyamatoki Police Post.

Police Corporal James Ogwagwa Nyakina received a 30-year sentence, while Police Constable Jackson Kirui Kipngeno was jailed for 10 years.

The court heard that the two officers arrested Kereri during a night patrol, then assaulted him while he was in custody. Prosecutors said the injuries proved fatal, and he was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital the next morning.

Fourteen witnesses testified during the trial, helping establish that the officers jointly caused the unlawful death of a man who was under their protection.

The ruling adds to growing judicial scrutiny of police brutality and custodial deaths in Kenya.