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Jackson Kuria Kihara AKA “Cop Shakur”

Biography

Jackson Kuria Kihara AKA Cop Shakur is a Kenyan human rights defender and former prison officer whose advocacy has focused on governance, accountability, social justice, and the defence of fundamental freedoms. Through his public engagement and online activism, he has emerged as a prominent voice calling for transparency, respect for human rights, and greater civic participation.

His work gained national attention following his arrest in January 2025 under Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act over content published on his X account. The case became emblematic of the growing concerns around the criminalisation of expression and the use of legal processes to intimidate dissenting voices. Following the Court of Appeal’s declaration that Sections 22 and 23 of the Act were unconstitutional, the case against him was ultimately dismissed in September 2026.

To Defenders Coalition, Cop Shakur’s case represents the broader struggle for the protection of civic space, freedom of expression, and the rights of human rights defenders in Kenya. His successful legal outcome stands as an important affirmation that constitutional freedoms must be protected and that individuals should be able to speak, question, and hold power to account without fear of arbitrary arrest, prosecution, or harassment. 

Cop Shakur’s journey reflects the resilience of Kenyan human rights defenders and underscores the importance of safeguarding an enabling environment where citizens can freely express their views and contribute to democratic governance.

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