Jackson Kuria Kihara, alias Cop Shakur, a prison warder who gained public attention during anti-finance bill protests in June 2024, was charged on Monday with publishing false information concerning recent abductions in Kenya. The controversial post, made on January 11 via his X Corp account (@CopShakur), alleged high-ranking government officials were behind the wave of abductions.
The charge sheet detailed that Shakur, knowingly and unlawfully, disseminated information calculated to cause public panic. His post read: “This CS is an Upcoming Dictator. He is the one Responsible for the abductions together with Ruto,” allegations authorities say he knew were false.
Shakur was arrested on January 15 at Kamiti Maximum Prison staff quarters and held at Muthaiga Police Station before being arraigned under a miscellaneous application. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) cited the need for extended detention, arguing that the complexity of the case required more time to retrieve and analyze digital evidence.
DCI officers, in an affidavit presented to the court, stated that Shakur’s phone had been seized for forensic examination. They highlighted the volume of data requiring analysis and sought a 21-day extension to finalize investigations. Furthermore, they expressed concerns that Shakur, being a trained officer, had the potential to interfere with the probe due to his familiarity with firearms and disciplined service operations.
Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina, however, limited the detention period to three days, instructing investigators to expedite their work. On Monday, Shakur appeared before Milimani Magistrate Gilbert Shikwe and denied the charges. The court released him on a cash bail of KSh 50,000, allowing him to await further court proceedings out of custody.
This incident marks a growing crackdown on individuals accused of spreading false information in Kenya, with authorities citing public safety and the need to curb misinformation. However, it has also sparked conversations about free speech and government transparency.
Shakur’s case underscores the delicate balance between maintaining order in the digital age and upholding constitutional freedoms. His defense team is expected to challenge the charges, arguing that the prosecution’s case lacks merit.
As investigations continue, this high-profile case will be closely watched, reflecting broader concerns about the intersection of social media, governance, and public accountability in Kenya.
