Kamiti prison officer Jackson Kuria, popularly known as Shakur the Cop, has explained his actions after he was pictured protesting in police uniform.
In an interview on August 9, Shakur defended his actions noting that he was conversant with the constitution of Kenya and that his decision to speak out was in line with constitutional provisions.
While affirming his loyalty to the president, Shakur explained that being loyal should not be a hinderance to him correcting the head of state if need be.
“There’s nothing that is unconstitutional with what I am doing, I have read the constitution, and I understand it well, I’m not here to protest, I’m not against the government, I’m still loyal to the president of Kenya but if I am loyal to the president of Kenya, I have the right to say that this is wrong,” he said.
Shakur further explained that he wanted to demand justice for the victims of police brutality while terming the presence of snipers in town unconstitutional.
Also Read: Cop Shakur: Kamiti prison Warden Arrested Outside Parliament
“I went to parliament to protest, I was demanding for justice for the people who were killed during the anti-government protests, people who were peacefully demonstrating were killed.”
“There were snipers in town which I think is against the constitution of Kenya that’s what I was going to demand for,” he added.
Shakur further clarified his job status following his arrest and stated that he is still receiving half his salary.
“I’m still a cop but I was interdicted a month ago. I’m receiving half of my salary until the case is concluded,” Jackson said.
Also Read: Questions as Police Surround Jimi Wanjigi’s Home Amid Nane Nane Protests
Shakur the Cop Criticizes Ruto
Shakur went ahead to criticize President William Ruto‘s governance, stating that he had failed the youth in Kenya.
“Our agenda as young people, we want good governance and the way you’re saying we are leaderless, our leader is our constitution, and what we have right now is our collective spirit, which I’m urging the Gen Zs and the millennials to continue having and when people,” he said.
“It is better for them to kill us than for us to die of depression. They are jobless and the best jobs they can offer is construction jobs. What do you think that person will feel given the fact that they have degrees?” he added.
Police Participation
During the interview, Shakur mentioned that many officers follow orders out of fear of losing their jobs. However, he noted that unlike his colleagues, he would not follow suit.
“Like most people, police usually fear losing their job,” he stated.
“They just follow orders. Some of the orders are unlawful, and as for me, I would not follow unlawful orders.”
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