Police officers in Kwekwe killing jailed for seven years

Inspector Veronica Gitahi (left) and Police Constable Issa Mzee, who have been jailed for seven years for killing 14-year-old Kwekwe Mwandaza in 2014 in Kwale County. FILE PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Last Wednesday, Justice Martin Muya said the offence of murder against the two officers had not been proved.
  • He added that it was not demonstrated that the two officers made any efforts to prevent the shooting.

Two police officers have been jailed for seven years each for killing 14-year-old schoolgirl Kwekwe Mwandaza.

Last week, the High Court in Mombasa had found the officers guilty of manslaughter.

The two, Inspector Veronica Gitahi and Police Constable Issah Mzee, have, however, indicated that they will appeal against the sentence.

Mwandaza was killed on August 22, 2014 in Kinango, Kwale County.

Immediately after the ruling, Ms Umazi Kwekwe, the mother of the slain girl, collapsed and was rushed to hospital. She earlier broke into tears, saying the sentence was lenient.

Last Wednesday, Justice Martin Muya said the offence of murder against the two officers had not been proved.

“I am satisfied the two accused were recklessly negligent in shooting in darkness,” said Justice Muya.

He added that it was not demonstrated that the two officers made any efforts to prevent the shooting.

The judge said that if, as claimed, the girl had swung a panga, she could have been shot at on the hand to disarm her.