Dj Vnyash
A prison warden, known on social media as Cop Shakur, was arrested on Tuesday while protesting outside the Parliament Building. Videos shared online showed him wearing a blood-stained white dust coat and holding a placard.
He was calling for justice for those killed in recent anti-tax protests. The placard read, “We want justice, not your condolences.”
The warden, from Kamiti Medium Prison, arrived at the Senate gate with supporters in the rain. Parliament Road has been heavily guarded since protesters breached it on June 25.
The protester initially engaged in a struggle with security officials at the gate, trying to enter and blocking traffic. More police officers soon arrived, subdued him, and dragged him to the Parliament police cells, tearing his coat in the process and declaring his protest illegal.
He briefly resisted but eventually cooperated. Once at the station, he identified himself as Jackson Kuria Kihara, also known as Shakur, a Kamiti Medium prison warden.
Police are investigating the incident and seeking more information about him from prison authorities. He was later transferred to Central Police Station for a planned arraignment.
Authorities continue to face protests over the dropped Finance Bill 2024, those killed, and those detained. More than 42 people were killed, and dozens were arrested during the protests, with over 400 injured and receiving treatment.
Several government agencies are investigating various issues arising from the protests, including shootings, looting, arson, and robberies. The protests led President William Ruto to decline to sign the bill, and he has since launched a national dialogue to address the protesters’ concerns.
Discontent over the high cost of living and proposed tax hikes in the annual finance bill sparked nationwide protests, ultimately leading to the bill’s rejection. Protest organizers have called for police accountability for the shooting incidents.
Silverio Omari
