KAMITI, KENYA – In a move that has sparked widespread frustrations, Jackson Kuria Kihara, popularly known as ‘Cop Shakur’, was arrested today by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) at his workstation in Kamiti Maximum Security Prison. The arrest, lacking in immediate transparency regarding the charges, has fueled concerns about freedom of expression and government accountability in Kenya.
Cop Shakur, who had gained a following as an activist for prison reform, particularly against the use of firearms on prisoners, was detained without being informed of the reasons or his destination following the arrest. This has led to a significant backlash, with social media platforms trending with hashtags like #FreeCopShakur and #EndAbductionsKE, reflecting the public’s demand for answers and justice.
The arrest of Cop Shakur comes on the heels of his active participation in protests against the Finance Bill, where he was vocal about government policies. This has led to speculation that his arrest might be politically motivated, aimed at silencing dissent within the ranks of public servants.
Critics argue that the manner of his arrest, reminiscent of abductions rather than lawful detentions, raises serious questions about the state of civil liberties in Kenya. Human rights organizations and activists have called for immediate clarity on the charges against him and for his rights to be respected throughout the legal process.
Supporters of Cop Shakur have organized protests and are planning legal actions to challenge what they perceive as an overreach by the government. The lack of information from the DCI has only intensified the public’s suspicion and unrest, leading to calls for a more transparent and accountable approach to law enforcement.
Meanwhile, the DCI has not yet issued an official statement regarding the arrest or the charges against Cop Shakur, leaving many to speculate on the motivations and legal grounds for such an action.
This incident has reignited discussions about the balance between security measures and individual rights, particularly for those within the system who speak out against established practices. As this story develops, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the growing public demand for justice and transparency in this case.
