Former Pangani police officer Ahmed Rashid appeared before the Kibra Law Courts in Nairobi as his highly publicized murder trial officially got underway. Rashid, who rose to notoriety for his tough stance against crime in Eastleigh and Mathare, is accused of fatally shooting two suspected criminals in Eastleigh, an incident that sparked both praise and outrage in equal measure.
During the Monday session, the prosecution revealed it had lined up 15 witnesses, among them ballistic experts, eyewitnesses, and investigators, to testify against the embattled officer. The experts are expected to provide crucial evidence linking Rashid to the fatal shootings, while witnesses will recount the dramatic events that unfolded on the day of the incident.
The case has drawn immense public interest, given Rashid’s reputation as a feared yet celebrated figure in Nairobi’s crime-ridden neighborhoods. For years, he was praised by sections of the public for restoring order through swift action against notorious gangs. However, human rights groups accused him of operating outside the law, branding him a symbol of police brutality and extrajudicial killings.
In court, Rashid maintained his composure as the charges were read out, insisting through his defense team that he was innocent and acted within the confines of the law in protecting the public. His lawyers argued that the trial should carefully weigh the context of policing dangerous criminals in Nairobi’s informal settlements.
The case is being closely monitored by civil society organizations, families of victims of alleged police killings, and supporters who still regard Rashid as a hero.
If convicted, the former officer could face life in prison. The trial continues, with the first witnesses expected to testify in the coming weeks.
By Nairobi