A Nakuru High Court has found Administration Police Officer Isaac Lekachuma guilty of murdering Emmanuel Makokha on October 2, 2017, in the Salgaa area of Rongai Sub-County, Nakuru County.
Judge Julius Nang’ea ruled on July 9, 2026, that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that Officer Lekachuma intentionally shot Makokha in the chest, causing his death.
Key Evidence
- A Maasai security guard testified that on the evening of the incident, he heard people shouting "thief thief" before gunshots were fired.
- The guard saw a police officer, later identified as Lekachuma, shoot Makokha and then fired at him as he fled, though he was not hit.
- The prosecution presented evidence showing the shooting was planned and malicious, not accidental or justified by any immediate threat.
Background of the Incident
The court heard that the deceased was being pursued over a Ksh350 debt for drinks taken at Olive Bar in Salgaa on September 29, 2017. After the bar attendant reported Makokha’s presence near a vehicle stage, police were dispatched to locate him.
Corporal Mwaniki, who coordinated the search, testified that the man shot by Lekachuma was the same individual who had failed to settle the bar bill. The judge found this evidence contradicted any defence by Lekachuma and questioned why lethal force was used to recover a civil debt.
Next Steps
The court has yet to set a date for sentencing and mitigation for Officer Lekachuma, who was convicted under Section 215 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
