Cop Shakur in Prison. Credit:X
Activist Jackson Kuria Kihara, popularly known as Cop Shakur, has revealed the challenges he faced during his campaign against government policies and alleged repression.
He said he spent 40 days in police cells and prison in 2025 and attended more than 25 court hearings.
At one point, he spent three months in hiding to avoid further arrests.
Shakur also attended three funerals of people who died during protests, highlighting the heavy human toll of nationwide demonstrations.
“I survived an abduction attempt,” Shakur told reporters, stressing the risks activists face in Kenya when challenging the government.
Despite the dangers, he said he has participated in three protests and is committed to the cause.
“We know this will not stop this year, but we are ready to fight,” he said.
Shakur framed his activism within a broader political timeline, adding: “We are getting closer to 2027, the year we unchain ourselves from this regime.”
The former prison officer rose to fame during anti-government protests and has become a symbol of resistance for many young Kenyans.
His story reflects the ongoing tensions between activists and authorities in the country.
Kenya continues to grapple with protest-related fatalities, arrests, and clashes, while rights groups warn that dissent remains risky.
Cop Shakur’s experiences underline the dangers faced by those who openly challenge the state.