The family of former Assistant Minister Patrick Muiruri has been awarded Sh15 million by the High Court as compensation over the killing of his son by a police officer.

Is there a story unfolding in your community? Let Hivisasa know

The former Gatundu North legislator's son Mr James Muiruri was shot dead killed by a police officer in January 2009 as he left a Nairobi club.

According to reports, Mr Muiruri who was in a company of other two people engaged in a fight with other five people which turned fatal and was killed.

“The deceased died as a result of a gunshot fired by a trigger happy police officer. In the circumstances an award for exemplary damages is necessary,” ruled Justice Joseph Sergon.

Supporting the award by the court was an agreement between the family and the Attorney General in 2016 that indicates the government is entirely responsible for the death of the young man.

The compensation was broken down as follows: 

Pain and suffering – Sh150,000

Loss of expectation of life – Ksh.200,000

Loss of dependency – Ksh.12 million

Special damages – Ksh.1.5 million

Exemplary damages – Ksh.2 million

Total – Ksh.15,857,730 million.