A Kasarani-based police officer, Titus Ngamau a.k.a Katitu, was on Wednesday handed a 15-year jail term by High court judge James Wakiaga after he was found guilty of murder.
The police officer was arrested after he shot dead Kenneth Kimani, a resident of Githurai in the year 2013.
The arrest that saw him spending three years in police custody before his today's judgment caused violent demonstrations by Githurai residents who claimed Titus Ngamau was their hero and was helping them fight criminals in the neighbourhood.
"Tunataka Katitu arudishwe, ni wetu na anatusaidiana sana," -"We want Katitu back as he helps us a lot," said a resident of Githurai during the protest.
However, the judge seemed unmoved by the decries of Githurai residents who claimed that Katitu was their hero. According to the judge, Mr. Katitu had broken the rule of law despite being a darling of the residents as he had intentionally taken away the life of Kimani.
"I decline to accept the argument that Katitu was loved by residents for his resilient in fighting crime because justice does not recognise popularity," said judge Wakiaga.
The judge also said that the convict had threatened Kimani's family forcing them to relocate.
"The family of the victim said they received threats from the convict and they were forced to relocate," added Wakiaga.
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