Prison officer Jackson Kuria Kimani, also known as Cop Shakur, has once again made headlines following his recent arrest in Naivasha over the weekend. The controversial figure, who rose to fame in 2024 for his outspoken participation in anti-finance bill protests, was detained after authorities allegedly found a toy gun during his arrest. This incident has sparked heated debates about the legality of possessing a toy gun and raised questions about whether the item qualifies as a firearm.
On Saturday, March 22, Cop Shakur was taken into custody by police in Naivasha, with authorities claiming they recovered a toy gun from him during the arrest. Following the discovery, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) was granted 24 hours by the court to investigate the nature of the item to determine whether it qualifies as a firearm.
Shakur’s legal representative, Monica Mwai, criticized the extended detention, arguing that the law stipulates that a person arrested on the weekend should be arraigned in court by Monday. She also pointed out that the DCI had filed a miscellaneous application requesting additional time to continue their investigations. “He should have been presented in court on Monday. The DCI, however, filed for an extension to examine the toy gun and ascertain its nature,” Mwai explained. In response, the court ruled that Shakur could be held for an additional 24 hours for further investigation.
The case has drawn significant attention from the public, especially on social media, where Kenyans have expressed mixed reactions. Some supported the authorities, emphasizing the importance of discipline within the security forces, while others criticized the move, suggesting that Shakur’s arrest was politically motivated. One user, Simon Kips, questioned how a security officer could be trusted with a real gun while also protesting like an unarmed civilian.
On the other hand, some social media users sympathized with Shakur, arguing that it was absurd for a licensed officer to be arrested for possessing a toy gun. “Imagine being licensed to possess a real gun but arrested because of a toy gun,” wrote Enosh E-nooh. Others like Jymoh Kamaah voiced their disbelief, saying, “He is a police officer, he is entitled to a real gun and now you arrest him because of a toy gun??!”
The case has raised broader questions about the regulation of toy guns in Kenya. Some netizens, like Chebomuren Kiprono Birir, questioned when owning a toy gun became a crime, while others speculated that the government might be targeting Shakur due to his outspoken nature and his previous involvement in protests. “In Kenya, it is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong,” wrote one user, Joseh Kiks.
Cop Shakur’s arrest comes shortly after he won the Human Rights Defenders Award in November 2024, making him the first uniformed officer to receive the honor. His visibility and activism have made him a controversial figure, and this latest incident only adds fuel to the ongoing discussions about his role in the public eye.
As the investigation into the toy gun continues, many are watching closely to see whether the charges against Shakur will hold up in court or if the case will be dismissed at the preliminary hearing. For now, the debate over the legalities surrounding toy guns and the treatment of outspoken figures like Cop Shakur continues to captivate the nation.
