Last month, as Kenyans took to the streets to protest the now-withdrawn Finance Bill, Jackson Kuria Kihara, also known as Shakur, joined the demonstrators to oppose the controversial bill and the high cost of living in the country.
Kuria, an officer stationed at Kamiti Medium Security Prison with five years of service, was identified among the demonstrators in Nairobi. With a placard in hand, he was photographed boldly protesting in his work gear under the hashtag #RejectFinanceBill.
“My conviction to protest was fueled by the high cost of living in the country and the bill, which was going to make things worse for us. Many of us cops suffer in silence because of our welfare,” he said.
Soon after, Kuria was dismissed from his position for participating in the protests against the controversial Finance Bill. In a letter seen by Citizen Digital, he was interdicted from duty for carrying anti-government placards while in operational uniform.
The incident has sparked debate about the rights of public servants to engage in political activism and the implications for freedom of expression in the country.
“A lot of people found it bold that a cop was protesting. Most of us have a difficult time; some even commit suicide because of depression. They cannot question anything, yet they are overworked and underpaid. When you speak out, you are victimized, like me. Some get transferred or interdicted,” he said.
Kuria knew he would be targeted, having seen colleagues suffer for speaking out about welfare issues before.
“I knew what was coming my way and the effects of my decision to protest. While some colleagues find my decision bold, others do not, leading to victimization,” he said.
“I was victimized at work to the point where I was told to eat convict’s food while my case was in progress. Imagine going through that for peacefully fighting for your rights. Is speaking against the high cost of living a crime?” he added.
The use of excessive force is ingrained in the culture of the Kenyan state police. Many Kenyans have been killed or maimed by police officers in efforts to disperse public assemblies since colonial times and throughout the country’s political history.
“Innocent and unarmed people were killed by rogue and trigger-happy cops. They should all be held accountable. Cops should respect lawful orders, and you have a right to decline an unlawful order, like the killing of innocent people,” he said.
What reforms have been proposed or made to mitigate police violence?
“A lot neds to be done, beginning with holding those accused accountable. I suggest that all cops undergo mental assessment before they are given a gun. What happened during the protest should never happen again,” he said.
He expressed no regret for joining the demonstrations, adding that he did nothing wrong by protesting to hold the government accountable. According to him, he will continue to use his voice to fight for a better Kenya.
“I still believe that the president is not listening to Kenyans. I urge Gen Z not to give up and to continue fighting until their cries are heard,” he said.
Kamiti Medium Security Prison cited a violation of Rule 124 for his dismissal.
By Citizen Digital