Jackson Kuria, popularly known as Cop Shakur, has called on Kenyans of goodwill to assist him after he was arrested and charged in court.
In a statement dated Thursday, January 15, Kuria disclosed that he was charged at the Milimani Law Courts and alleged that his phone and SIM card were confiscated by authorities. He further appealed to the public to help him raise money for his cash bail.
“I am currently at the Milimani Law Courts. The DCI denied me a phone call. They have confiscated my phone and line. I am calling upon the public to help me raise my cash bail,” Kuria stated.
Human rights activist Hussein Khalid revealed that Kuria faced charges of mutiny, a serious offense typically defined as open rebellion against lawful authority.
“They’ve charged Cop Shakur with mutiny. Mutiny is an open rebellion against proper authorities, especially by soldiers or sailors against their officers,” Khalid stated.
He questioned the basis of the charge, adding, “For standing with Gen Z, they’re now calling it mutiny?”
Cop Shakur gained nationwide attention in June 2024 during protests against the Finance Bill 2024. He was widely lauded for joining demonstrators in opposing the bill, a move that endeared him to many Kenyans, especially the youth.
On Wednesday, January 16, Kuria was arrested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) at his workplace. His arrest sparked widespread reactions online, with supporters decrying what they termed as a targeted crackdown on dissenting voices within government institutions.
The charges against Kuria have sparked debate, with many Kenyans taking to social media to express their solidarity and question the severity of the accusations. Some activists have argued that the charges are an attempt to suppress dissent within the police force and beyond.
Efforts to raise funds for his bail have begun, with human rights groups and individuals calling for transparency in the legal process to ensure Kuria receives a fair trial.
