On June 30th, news of the disappearance of Jackson Kuria Kihara, known as Shakur the Cop, a 25-year-old Kenyan prison officer, stunned many across the country.
His absence followed his outspoken opposition to the 2024 Finance Bill and the government’s decision to deploy police officers to Haiti, actions he believed could jeopardize his safety.
After three days missing, media exclusively reported Shakur’s discovery just after 6pm on Monday.
Concerns mounted until his family and lawyer, Benjamin Njeru, raised an alarm about his whereabouts.
According to Njeru, Shakur had not faced any charges or summons but, feeling unsafe amid inquiries by DCI officers at his home, he chose to go into hiding.
The lawyer advised him to report to a police station, but Shakur sought anticipatory bail first to secure his safety and freedom.
“We obtained the anticipatory bail over the weekend, but soon after, reports emerged of his abduction or disappearance.
The search began on social media,” Njeru stated.
Shakur had expressed concerns about his safety to those close to him, citing suspicious calls, surveillance, and a sense of being followed. Sadly, these fears materialized.
The lawyer dismissed speculation that Shakur remained in hiding, noting he would have maintained contact for safety reasons.
A missing person’s report was filed at Kiamumbi police station under OB number 29/06/24/06.
Shakur was reportedly abducted by police officers and held incommunicado until his discovery on Monday.
Media reached out to the Kiambu sub-county police commander for updates but was redirected to Kenya Prisons Headquarters, under whose jurisdiction the case fell.
The incident has sparked widespread concern over the safety of individuals who voice dissenting opinions and the implications for freedom of expression in Kenya.
The community awaits further developments as investigations continue into Shakur’s unsettling disappearance
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