The High Court in Embu on Thursday sentenced a former police officer who shot and killed 10 people to 20 years in prison.
The accused, Peter Karanja, allegedly shot the victims with a G3 rifle on November 6, 2010, in Siakago, Mbeere while pursuing his girlfriend.
Among the victims who were shot were revellers and two police officers who were responding to the gunshots.
According to Embu Resident Judge Florence Muchemi, the prosecution had proved that Karanja was guilty of the ten counts of murder against him.
“The prosecution witnesses proved beyond any reasonable doubt that he committed the offices. They proved a prima-facie case against him thus finding him guilty,” Justice Muchemi said in her ruling.
"It is my considered view that the accused deserves a deterrent sentence even if not the mandatory death sentence," she added.
Karanja expressed remorse and explained to the court that he had been psychologically affected by the death of his colleagues.
"I sometimes attacked my children and wife, thinking they are bandits and I urge the court to have mercy on me," he stated.
Efforts by the suspect's lawyer Victor Andande to fight for a non-custodial sentence hit the wall as the judge turned down the plea.
The defence was, however, given 14 days to file an appeal against the ruling.