The judgment was delivered on May 12, 2026, marking a significant ruling in a case that has drawn attention over police accountability and use of force.
The announcement was made by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, which has been closely monitoring the prosecution of the matter.
Following the conviction, the court cancelled the officer’s bond and ordered that he be held in custody at Manyani GK Prison pending sentencing. The sentencing hearing has been scheduled for June 2, 2026.
According to court records presented during the trial, the officer is accused of fatally shooting Esau Juma Mwanguku at Rockland Restaurant in Taveta Town.
The incident reportedly occurred while both the officer and the victim were drinking at the establishment.
The prosecution told the court that the shooting led to immediate death, prompting investigations into the conduct of the officer and the circumstances surrounding the use of his firearm.
IPOA stated that it initiated investigations into the incident on its own motion following the shooting, as part of its mandate to independently examine cases involving police conduct and possible violations of the law.
“The matter was investigated Suo Moto by the Authority. Upon completion of investigations, IPOA recommended that the officer be charged with murder,” IPOA said.
The oversight authority further indicated that its findings were based on evidence collected during the investigation, which it believed was sufficient to support criminal charges against the officer.
The recommendation eventually led to formal charges being filed in court.
The conviction comes amid continued public scrutiny of incidents involving police use of lethal force in Kenya.
Cases of alleged misconduct by law enforcement officers have in recent years prompted increased calls for accountability, transparency, and reforms within the security sector.
Legal observers say the ruling in Voi represents a key moment in reinforcing the principle that members of the disciplined forces are subject to the law and can be held accountable for criminal actions committed while on duty or off duty.
The cancellation of bond and immediate remand of the officer at Manyani GK Prison underscores the seriousness with which the court treated the conviction, ahead of the sentencing phase scheduled for early June 2026.
The sentencing hearing is expected to determine the final penalty to be imposed on the convicted officer, based on the severity of the offence and applicable provisions of the law.