TWO FORMER POLICE OFFICERS SENTENCED TO 35 YEARS FOR MURDER OF DENNIS LUSAVA

The High Court in Eldoret has sentenced former police constables Emmanuel Barasa and Godwine Wekesa to 35 years in prison each after finding them guilty of the murder of 21-year-old Dennis Lusava.

Justice Reuben Nyakundi ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, establishing that the two officers were responsible for the death of Lusava while he was in custody at Mbururu Police Post in Likuyani, Kakamega County.

The case, which dates back to October 2022, involved the arrest of Lusava, who had previously clashed with the officers in 2020 after allegedly failing to wear a face mask in public. According to court testimony, the officers later traced him, detained him, and subjected him to physical assault while in custody.

Lusava was reportedly handcuffed to a window and beaten using fists, kicks, and electric cables, resulting in severe injuries that led to his death. The court heard that his body was later dumped in River Nzoia in an attempt to conceal the incident.

In his judgment, Justice Nyakundi described the act as premeditated and said the two officers acted with common intent. He also revoked their bond and ordered their continued detention at Eldoret GK Prison.

Lawyers from the International Justice Mission (IJM), who represented Lusava’s family, welcomed the ruling, describing it as an important step in promoting police accountability in cases involving custodial deaths.

The sentencing brings to a close a legal process that spanned over five years and is seen as a significant development in addressing incidents of abuse within law enforcement.