For over a decade, the name Ahmed Rashid struck fear across the dusty streets of Eastleigh and Mathare, Nairobi’s marginalized neighborhoods plagued by police brutality. Branded both a hero and a villain depending on who you asked, Rashid’s reign of terror finally hit a wall in December 2022, when the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) officially charged him with murder.
But how did we get here? And why did it take so long?
A Trail of Blood: 43 Killings, One Name
According to data from the Mathare Social Justice Centre (MSJC), at least 43 young people were executed under suspicious circumstances, all linked to Ahmed Rashid, a police officer attached to Pangani Police Station. Among the dead:
- A 12-year-old boy
- Two teenagers shot in broad daylight in Eastleigh — an act captured on camera and later circulated widely online, prompting national and international outrage
The YouTube footage of the shooting showed Rashid executing unarmed suspects with cold precision, like a scene from a gangster movie. But this was not Hollywood. This was real life. In Mathare. In Nairobi. And the horror was meant to send a message: No one is above Rashid.
The BBC Eye Documentary: A Disturbing Confession
In 2018, BBC Eye released a documentary titled “Kenya’s Killer Cop” (Watch it here). In it, Rashid did not deny the killings — he justified them, describing himself as a vigilante cleaning the streets of crime. For many Kenyans who have lived through state violence, the documentary was not shocking — it was confirmation.
Delayed Justice: Why It Took So Long
Despite the mountain of evidence, Rashid operated with impunity for years. The barriers to justice were massive:
- Witnesses were threatened, disappeared, or killed.
- The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) was slow and often ineffective.
- The ODPP delayed prosecution.
- And for a long time, the public seemed to accept his actions as a necessary evil.
But community pressure never stopped. Led by grassroots organizations like the MSJC, human rights defenders kept the flame alive — organizing protests, vigils, and marches, calling for Justice for Rashid’s victims.
The Turning Point: December 8, 2022
After years of foot-dragging, the ODPP finally moved. On December 8, 2022, the public was informed that Ahmed Rashid would be charged with murder. Rashid attempted to block the move, citing health issues and making himself absent from court appearances.
But the court was unbothered. A new date was set: January 26.
January 26, 2023: Facing the Law
Although delayed again due to Rashid’s absence and legal maneuvers, January 26 became symbolic — the day the community realized: this man can be held accountable.
Human rights groups stood outside the courtroom, holding up placards with the faces of those Rashid had allegedly murdered. “Justice for All” was the chant. It wasn’t just about Rashid anymore. It was about dismantling the entire system that allowed men like him to flourish.
Why Ahmed Rashid’s Case Matters
The prosecution of Ahmed Rashid marks a historic moment in Kenya’s fight against extrajudicial killings. For decades, rogue officers have terrorized slum communities under the guise of fighting crime. Rashid was simply the most public face of a wider issue.
This case is:
- A test of IPOA’s effectiveness
- A challenge for the ODPP to prove it can prosecute state violence
- A beacon of hope for victims of police brutality in Kenya
What’s Next? Will Justice Be Served?
As of now, Rashid has not been convicted. He is out on bail and will return to court as proceedings continue. Many worry that his connections within the police and political system could influence the outcome.
But the tide has turned.
The public is watching. The world is watching. And the victims’ families — many of whom suffered in silence — are demanding justice louder than ever before.
Conclusion: A Message to the System
Ahmed Rashid’s downfall is not just a court case. It is a symbolic victory against an entrenched culture of impunity, brutality, and fear. And while the road to justice remains long and uncertain, one thing is clear:
The era of silent killings is over. The people are speaking. And they will not be silenced.
Want to Learn More?
📺 Watch the full BBC documentary: Kenya’s Killer Cop – BBC Africa Eye
📄 Read about IPOA’s role in policing oversight: https://www.ipoa.go.ke
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