A police officer from Eldoret has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for fatally shooting his wife in cold blood, following a drunken confrontation at their home in 2023. The High Court dismissed his plea for leniency, citing the gravity of his actions and the life lost.
Highlights
- Officer Maxwell Maina Muigai sentenced to 15 years for murdering his wife, Mercy Chebet.
- The incident occurred on November 28, 2023, at the Railways Police Line in Eldoret.
- Muigai shot his wife twice in the chest while under the influence of alcohol.
- Judge Reuben Nyakundi rejected a plea bargain for a non-custodial sentence.
- A cleric witnessed the murder and testified in court.
Main Story
The Fatal Shooting
The High Court in Eldoret has sentenced police officer Maxwell Maina Muigai to 15 years in prison after finding him guilty of murdering his wife, Mercy Chebet, in their home at the Railways Police Line in Uasin Gishu County.
The court heard that on November 28, 2023, Muigai, who was intoxicated, shot his estranged wife twice in the chest using an AK-47 rifle issued to him by the police service. Chebet succumbed to her injuries while being rushed to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
Witness Accounts
One of the key witnesses, Pastor Rebecca Kipchumba from the African Inland Church in Elgeyo Marakwet, told the court she watched helplessly as the officer shot his wife after she refused to open the door to their one-bedroom house.
According to her testimony, Muigai—who appeared drunk—used his rifle to bang on the door repeatedly before pulling the trigger. After the shooting, he reportedly told her not to bother seeking help, claiming his wife was already dead.
Shockingly, after the incident, the officer returned to his workstation and continued with his duties as if nothing had happened.
Judge’s Ruling
In his judgment, Justice Reuben Nyakundi described the killing as unprovoked and deliberate, noting that Muigai’s conduct was incompatible with his role as a law enforcement officer.
Although the accused had entered into a plea bargain with the victim’s family, the judge said a non-custodial sentence was not an option due to the seriousness of the crime and the manner in which the victim lost her life.
The court’s decision followed testimonies from four key witnesses, whose evidence painted a chilling picture of domestic violence fueled by alcohol and rage.
