0DPP has secured a 30-year prison sentence against a police officer convicted of killing a colleague in Eldoret.
The High Court ruled on Thursday that the officer unlawfully used a service firearm, with prosecution evidence and witness testimony supporting the conviction, while rejecting claims of accidental discharge in a case highlighting accountability within Kenya’s security services.
The High Court sentenced Ali Ahmed Mohammed, who was attached to the Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit in Trans Nzoia Sub-County, for the killing of fellow officer Anthony Pkiror Areutum.
The case was prosecuted by Counsel Sidi Kirenge before Justice Reuben Nyakundi.
According to court proceedings, the incident occurred on February 27, 2024, at about 1:00 p.m., shortly after the accused had completed his duty shift.
“On February 27, 2024 at about 1.00 p.m., the accused, who had just completed his duty shift, entered VDM Liquor Store while armed with a Taurus pistol issued to him earlier that morning,” the court heard.
While at the premises, the deceased raised concerns about the handling of the firearm.
“While at the premises, the deceased raised concern about how the accused was handling and displaying the firearm and advised him to place it safely,” the prosecution stated.
The exchange escalated after the accused reacted to the remarks.
“The accused became irritated by the remarks and, in response, pointed the pistol towards the deceased in protest,” the court was told.
Moments later, the situation turned fatal.
“In the process, the firearm discharged, fatally wounding the deceased and injuring the accused,” court documents indicated.
During the trial, the prosecution relied on witness accounts and forensic evidence to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“During the trial, the prosecution called five witnesses and produced the arms movement register, the ballistics report and the post-mortem report as exhibits,” the ODPP said.
The court found that the evidence presented corroborated the sequence of events leading to the fatal shooting.
In delivering the sentence, Justice Nyakundi noted that the defence had failed to provide mitigating circumstances.
“The defence had not presented any mitigating factors such as self-defence, provocation, immaturity, drunkenness, or accidental discharge,” the judge observed.
He further highlighted the seriousness of the offence, particularly given the responsibilities associated with police service.
“The Taurus revolver issued to the accused to safeguard the public in Trans Nzoia County was instead unlawfully used to take the life of a fellow officer in the National Police Service,” he said.
The case has drawn attention to the importance of proper firearm handling and adherence to safety protocols within law enforcement agencies.
It also reaffirms the expectation of professionalism among officers entrusted with public safety.
The sentencing marks a significant step in reinforcing accountability within the police service, demonstrating that officers are subject to the law regardless of their position.
By securing the conviction, the ODPP reaffirmed its mandate to prosecute criminal conduct and uphold justice.
The 30-year sentence reflects the gravity of the offence and sends a strong message on the consequences of firearm misuse.
It also reinforces the principle that the rule of law applies equally to all, including those charged with enforcing it.
The ruling brings closure to a case that has drawn public attention and highlights the need for discipline, responsibility and adherence to established procedures within Kenya’s security forces.
