A police officer attached to Directorate of Criminal Investigation headquarters was convicted on Tuesday over killing of a businessman and politician in Limuru six years ago.
Edward Moi Munjalu was found guilty and sentenced to 30 years by Justice Mary Kasango of murder in the death of William Mwangi Kimani on August 27, 2017, at Club U-Turn in Limuru Town.
Kimani, a building, and construction engineer was shot and killed at dawn following a scuffle that erupted after he refused to buy the police officer alcohol, prompting the club bouncers to intervene and eject him (Munjalu) from the premises.
Evidence presented in court states that the officer approached Kimani’s vehicle as he was reversing out of the parking lot and shot him seven times through the front passenger window, killing him instantly.
In her judgment, Justice Kasango said Munjalu acted against the law when he shot and killed Kimani.
The judge said he used excessive force, yet he faced no danger.
“Having convicted Edward of murder and considering what is discussed above, the appropriate sentence is imprisonment for 30 years,” the judge noted.
14 prosecution witnesses testified against Munjalu, among them the police officers who arrested him.
Munjalu, in his defense, gave a sworn statement and did not call any witnesses.
The judge also said Munjalu had gone to the club to have a good time just like any other reveler and no justification was good enough for him to have been shot and killed.
“It is not in doubt that the shooting was by a serving police officer, who should have protected him,” Justice Kasango said.
The judge said the conviction and sentencing should act as a deterrent to the crime of murder.
” In calculating the sentence, the prison authority shall give Edward Munjalu a credit of 3 years and 10 months, which is the period he has been in custody awaiting the completion of his trial,” she added.
International Justice Mission (IJM-Kenya) represented the victim in court.
Following the judgment and consequent sentencing, IJM Kenya Country Director Benson Shamala said the officer’s conviction is yet another big step in holding errant police officers to account for using excessive force against unarmed citizens.
Shamala said it is unfortunate that police officers mandated to protect citizens end up abusing their power and causing unwarranted death of innocent people.
This conviction is another demonstration that the public can rely on our criminal justice system to defend themselves.
“IJM remains committed to holding police accountable and working with the authorities responsible for oversight of the police. Law enforcers must always provide protection and not harm innocent citizens,” Shamala said.
