Two police officers found guilty of 21-year-old Denis Lusava's murder in Eldoret

High Court Judge Reuben Nyakundi ruled that the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt that Constable Emmanuel Wafula and Godwine Wekesa were guilty of the murder of the 21-year-old youth at Mbururu Police Station in Likuyani, Kakamega County.

In a landmark judgment issued in Eldoret on Friday, Justice Nyakundi said the case marked a major turning point in addressing custodial deaths and rogue policing practices.

Police constables Emmanuel Barasa and Godwine Wekesa were found guilty of murder following a protracted legal battle that stretched over five years. The case revolved around the brutal killing of Lusava inside a police cell.

According to court records, Lusava had initially clashed with the officers in 2020 after being arrested for not wearing a face mask in public. Members of the public intervened at the time and rescued him.

However, days later, the officers reportedly traced Lusava, arrested him again, and detained him at the Mbururu Police Station. While in custody, he was allegedly handcuffed to a window and beaten with kicks, blows, and electric cables.

Justice Nyakundi noted that Lusava sustained severe injuries and died at the station.

The court heard that the officers then carried his body and dumped it into the flowing waters of River Nzoia in an attempt to cover up the crime.

“The murder was committed with malice aforethought, and there was transactional evidence linking the two officers to a common intention in the conspiracy,” said Justice Reuben Nyakundi.

He further cancelled the bond previously granted to Wafula and Wekesa.

Lawyers from the International Justice Mission (IJM), who represented Lusava’s family, welcomed the ruling, calling it a significant milestone in holding rogue officers accountable for custodial deaths and subsequent cover-ups.

“This is a big step forward for justice in police accountability,” said an IJM lawyer.

The two convicted officers will remain in remand at Eldoret GK Prison as they await sentencing on Wednesday, July 9.