[2019] KEHC 4493 (KLR)

[2019] KEHC 4493 (KLR)

The court found that while the accused caused the death of the deceased, the prosecution failed to prove malice aforethought beyond reasonable doubt. The evidence established that the accused, a police officer, cocked his gun and positioned himself at the back of the deceased's house during an operation to...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2019] KEHC 4493 (KLR)
Parties
Applicant: Republic; Defendant: George Waweru
Court
High Court
Court Station
High Court at Naivasha
Jurisdiction
Kenya
Case Number
Criminal Case 51 of 2015
Procedural Posture
Criminal Case / Judgment
Outcome
Charge of murder reduced to manslaughter; accused convicted of manslaughter.
Legal Topics
Murder, Manslaughter, Use of Force by Police, Self Defence, Malice Aforethought, Culpable Negligence
Source Language
en
Criminal Law Murder Manslaughter Use of Force by Police Self Defence Malice Aforethought Culpable Negligence

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Parties

Republic

Applicant

George Waweru

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Case / Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the accused unlawfully caused the death of the deceased through malice aforethought.
  2. 2 Whether the accused's actions amounted to murder or manslaughter under the Penal Code.
  3. 3 Whether the accused acted in self-defence or used excessive force contrary to police regulations.

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that while the accused caused the death of the deceased, the prosecution failed to prove malice aforethought beyond reasonable doubt. The evidence established that the accused, a police officer, cocked his gun and positioned himself at the back of the deceased's house during an operation to investigate illegal drugs. When the deceased emerged, a struggle ensued, and the gun discharged, fatally injuring the deceased. The court held that the accused failed to comply with police regulations on the use of force and firearms, as he did not attempt non-violent means or give a clear warning before cocking his gun. However, there was no evidence of intent to kill or cause grievous...

Court Disposition

Charge of murder reduced to manslaughter; accused convicted of manslaughter.

Orders

  • The accused is acquitted of the charge of murder.
  • The accused is convicted of the offence of manslaughter contrary to section 202 as read with section 205 of the Penal Code.