Two police officers have been found guilty of murdering 21-year-old Dennis Lusava and dumping his body in River Nzoia.
The High Court in Eldoret made the ruling on Friday after hearing details of how the officers tortured Lusava to death while he was being held in custody.
Justice Reuben Nyakundi ruled that Constables Emmanuel Wafula and Godwine Wekesa Sirengo acted together in planning and executing the crime.
The incident happened on October 7, 2022, at Mbururu Police Post in Likuyani, Kakamega County.
Four days later, Lusava’s body was discovered already decomposing in the river.The court found strong evidence showing that the two officers had a clear plan to eliminate Lusava.
Justice Nyakundi said their actions were unlawful and driven by malice. He also rejected their defence, saying the facts showed they worked together to torture and kill the young man.
The prosecution produced many witnesses and documents to prove their case.
Medical reports, police records, and testimonies showed that Lusava was beaten with electric cables and blunt objects while in custody.
It was also revealed that after a previous disagreement, the officers lured him back to the station, held him there, and attacked him.
One of the most painful parts of the case came from Lusava’s mother. She told the court that she visited her son at the police post and found him badly injured.
She pleaded for his release, but the officers demanded a bribe. He died while still in custody. After his death, the officers took his body to Webuye and threw it into River Nzoia.
They then changed the records in the Occurrence Book to make it look like he had already been released from the station.
Justice Nyakundi said that the officers’ behaviour was not only a betrayal of their duty but also showed a dangerous abuse of power. He cancelled their bond and ordered that they be held at Eldoret GK Remand Prison as they await sentencing.
They are expected to receive their sentence on July 8. Janice Muchemi, a lawyer from the International Justice Mission who represented the family, said that the ruling is a major step in fighting police abuse and seeking justice for victims who die in custody.
She added that such decisions give hope to many families still searching for answers.
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