Nairobi, Kenya – Jackson Kihara, widely known as 'Cop Shakur,' a former Kenya Prisons officer who gained prominence for his support of Gen Z protests in June and July 2025, has publicly disclosed that he is facing significant financial hardship. In a recent Instagram post, Kihara revealed he is in debt, his property has been auctioned, and he has an arrest warrant against him, making it difficult to meet his financial obligations and provide for his daughter.

Kihara, who was dismissed from the Kenya Prisons Service, insists that his current predicament is not directly linked to his job loss, stating he had made plans for survival. However, he attributes his financial downturn to failed business investments, including a December 2024 event that incurred over Ksh1 million in debt, followed by a series of accidents involving his car hire business vehicles.

Historical and Political Context

Kihara's journey into activism began in June 2024 when he participated in anti-Finance Bill protests while in his Kenya Prisons Service uniform, carrying placards against government policies. This act of defiance led to his interdiction in July 2024, with Kamiti Medium Security Prison citing a violation of Rule 124, which prohibits public servants from engaging in political activities or protests. Despite facing disciplinary actions, including frequent transfers to 'hardship areas,' suspension, and interdiction, Kihara remained unapologetic, asserting his right to protest against the high cost of living and to advocate for a better Kenya.

In December 2024, Kihara was recognised as one of Kenya's foremost human rights defenders by the Defenders Coalition, a lobby group, and was reportedly reinstated to his job. However, by May 2025, he announced his official dismissal from the Kenya Prisons Service, claiming it was politically motivated and vowing to sue the government.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

The Kenyan Constitution, under Article 37, guarantees every person the right to peaceful assembly, demonstration, picketing, and petitioning public authorities. However, the Public Order Act requires advance notification for protests and criminalises participation in demonstrations organised without such notification. While police are mandated to facilitate peaceful assemblies, reports from the Gen Z protests indicated instances of excessive force, tear gas, and live bullets being deployed.

Public officers, including those in the Kenya Prisons Service, are generally expected to maintain political neutrality. Rule 124 of the prison regulations specifically prohibits engagement in political activities or protests. This creates a tension between the constitutional right to protest and the disciplinary codes governing uniformed services.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

Kihara's personal account highlights the emotional toll of his struggles, including mental health challenges stemming from personal issues and the pressure of his financial situation. He has spoken of contemplating suicide multiple times. His case has resonated with many Kenyans, sparking debate about the rights of public servants to engage in activism and the potential repercussions.

Evidence and Data

• Dismissal from Service: Jackson Kihara was interdicted in July 2024 and officially dismissed by May 2025 from the Kenya Prisons Service for participating in Gen Z protests.
• Financial Distress: Kihara is currently in debt exceeding Ksh1 million due to failed business ventures.
• Legal Challenges: He faces an active arrest warrant and ongoing court cases related to his activism. In January 2025, he was charged with inciting mutiny and publishing false information on social media.
• Constitutional Right: Article 37 of the Kenyan Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and protest.

Risks and Implications

Kihara's situation underscores the significant personal and financial risks that public servants in Kenya may face when they engage in activism that challenges government policies. It also raises questions about the balance between individual freedoms and institutional discipline within uniformed services. The ongoing legal battles and financial distress could serve as a deterrent for other public officers considering similar actions, potentially stifling dissent and freedom of expression within these critical sectors.

Unknowns and Controversies

While Kihara attributes his current financial woes to business failures, the long-term impact of his dismissal from the Kenya Prisons Service on his ability to secure stable employment remains a point of discussion. The exact nature and progress of the legal action he intends to take against the government for alleged unlawful dismissal are also yet to be fully detailed.

Timeline and Next Steps

• June-July 2024: Kihara participates in Gen Z protests against the Finance Bill.
• July 2024: Kihara is interdicted from the Kenya Prisons Service.
• December 2024: Kihara is recognised as a human rights defender and reportedly reinstated.
• January 2025: Kihara is arrested and charged with inciting mutiny and publishing false information.
• May 2025: Kihara announces his official dismissal from the Kenya Prisons Service and plans to sue the government.
• October 2025: Kihara reveals his severe financial difficulties, including debt and property auction.

What to Watch

The legal proceedings initiated by Kihara against the government will be crucial in determining the implications for public servants' rights to protest and freedom of expression. The outcome could set a precedent for future cases involving activism by uniformed officers. Additionally, the public's response to Kihara's financial struggles may influence broader discussions on support mechanisms for activists facing economic hardship due to their advocacy.