TLDR;
This video covers the sentencing of two police officers involved in the death of Kwekwe Mwandaza, a young girl who was killed in 2018. The judge ruled against ordering the officers to compensate the family, considering it would punish their families, and sentenced each officer to seven years in prison for manslaughter. This decision has been met with criticism from the victim's family and human rights organizations, who feel the sentence is too lenient and are considering further legal action.
- Judge Martin Muya ruled against financial compensation from the officers to the victim's family.
- Officers Gerard Magolo will appeal the ruling.
- The officers were sentenced to seven years in prison for manslaughter.
- Human rights organizations are dissatisfied with the sentence and are considering further legal action.
Judge's Decision and Rationale [1:02]
Judge Martin Muya stated that the officers involved in Kwekwe Mwandaza's death would not be required to compensate the family, disagreeing with the recommendation from the family's lawyer, Haro Ndubi. The judge reasoned that imposing financial compensation on the officers would unfairly punish their families, especially since they are already facing a seven-year prison sentence. The judge acknowledged the dangerous work police officers undertake but emphasized that they are entrusted with weapons to protect the public, and misusing this power is unlawful.
Defense's Response and Family's Discontent [1:47]
Gerard Magolo, the officers' lawyer, announced his intention to appeal the court's decision. In contrast, Kwekwe Mwandaza's mother, Umazizani, and Francis Auma from the non-governmental organization Haki Africa, strongly criticized the sentence, deeming it too lenient for the crime committed.
Human Rights Perspective and Further Actions [3:52]
Human rights advocates expressed their disappointment with the seven-year sentence, considering it insufficient for the loss of Kwekwe Mwandaza's life. They believe justice has not been served adequately and suggest the officers should face life imprisonment, questioning if they are being treated as special. They plan to review the background of the case, including allegations of other cases involving the officers. Haki Africa, along with other organizations, intends to pursue the case further in court, dissatisfied with the current sentence.
Background of the Case [4:37]
Kwekwe Mwandaza died on August 22, 2018, after two police officers, Veronica Gitahi and Issac Sumu Zacharia, from Kinango in Kwale County, claimed she had attacked them with a machete while they were searching for a suspect.
