Ex-Female Cop Sentenced To 35 Years In Prison After Shooting Husband 12 Times

Lilian Biwott, a former police constable at Eldoret Central Police Station, was sentenced to 35 years in prison on Tuesday, December 17 for the murder of her husband in 2023.

Biwott was convicted a week ago for shooting her husband Victor Kipchumba 12 times using her service weapon at their rented home.

Eldoret High Court Judge Reuben Nyakundi, while delivering the sentence, described the murder as the most foul.

“For Lilian to use the same firearm issued to her for the prevention of crime against her husband’s life is barbaric, diabolic, cruel and degrading,” he declared.

Former police constable Lilian Biwott in Eldoret High Court during her trial for her husband's murder. /X

Justice Nyakundi went on to state that the 35-year sentence served as a warning to other perpetrators of domestic violence, particularly those who use their positions to threaten their partners in marriages.

He went on to add that even though the marriage was characterised by domestic violence, Biwott, as a trained police officer had other ways to handle the situation.

During the trial, Biwott claimed that she had been called to the house under the assumption that her husband was threatening to kill their children. However, the judge reiterated that there were several other ways she could have dealt with the threat other than shooting Kipchumba 12 times.

He went on to describe the murder as premeditated as she had ample time to reflect on her actions on the way home and also dismissed her claims of self-defence as she had tried to conceal evidence after the fact.

“This was a purely premeditated murder excited with brutality and ill will and malice aforethought," Justice Nyakundi said, adding “I don’t know what story you will tell your children when the time comes and I don’t know what means you will use to make peace with your children having killed their father.” 

Of the 12 gunshots that rained on Kipchumba on October 9, 2023, six hit his vital organs killing him instantly. This case underscores the critical need for addressing domestic violence and ensuring that law enforcement officers adhere to the standards and responsibilities entrusted to them.

Earlier this month, a 28-year-old woman surrendered to police after she had allegedly stabbed her boyfriend to death during an altercation in Mur-Ngiya sub-location, Siaya County.

Police revealed that the incident took place on Saturday night, December 7, when the woman, identified as Vivian Akoth, attacked and stabbed her 35-year-old boyfriend Charlton Obare over claims he cheated on her.