Police Officer Sentenced to 15 Years for Killing Wife in Domestic Dispute
The officer, once entrusted with protecting lives, will now spend many of those same years behind bars, convicted of taking one.
Court records indicate that on November 28, 2021, Maina shot Chebet twice in the chest following a domestic dispute at their home in Uasin Gishu County. Photo/courtesy.
By Emmaculate Cheruto
Inside one of the modest brick houses, police officer Maxwell Maina turned his service weapon on his wife, Mercy Chebet, a tragic end to what once was a love story.
This week, the High Court in Eldoret finally brought the marathon case to a close when Justice Reuben Nyakundi sentenced Maina to 15 years in prison. The officer, once entrusted with protecting lives, will now spend many of those same years behind bars, convicted of taking one. Charged with murder, Maina pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of manslaughter after reaching a plea deal with Chebet’s family.
Justice Nyakundi said the court took cognisance of Maina’s remorse and reconciliation with his in-laws, but forgiveness could not replace justice. “If the court were to release you solely on the basis of your remorse and forgiveness, it would undermine the justice system,” he ruled.
The judge further observed that Maina, being a trained law enforcer, was expected to protect life, not take it. “You acted without any provocation or circumstance that could justify self-defense,” he added.
Court records indicate that on November 28, 2021, Maina shot Chebet twice in the chest following a domestic dispute at their home in Uasin Gishu County. After shooting her, he went back to his post and acted as if nothing had happened. Sometime later, still drunk, he surrendered at the Railways Police Station, where police disarmed and detained him.
Those who testified include Pastor Rebecca Kipchumba of the African Inland Church in Elgeyo Marakwet County. The cleric narrated how she watched in horror as Maina fired at his wife. “He was angry because she refused to open the door,” the pastor told the court. “After shooting her, he warned me not to take her to the hospital, saying she was already dead.”
Chebet was rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret but died on the way due to her serious injuries.
Justice Nyakundi termed the killing a “senseless act” that could have been avoided had Maina chosen to fulfill his duty as a protector, instead of turning violent. “You have 14 days to appeal this ruling since this court is not the final arbiter in such matters,” he concluded.
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