In a case that has come to symbolise extrajudicial executions in the East African nation, a Kenyan police officer accused of murdering two adolescents in 2017 pleaded not guilty to murder charges on Monday.
The police officer gained the moniker “killing cop” when the scenario from March 31, 2017, which was captured on camera, went viral on social media. Video showed Ahmed Rashid, dressed in civilian clothing, beheading two young individuals who were laying on the ground in the Eastleigh neighbourhood, on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya, in full view of onlookers.
The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA), which completed the inquiry and determined that the deaths “were caused by police activity,” recommended legal action against Ahmed Rashid in November 2022.
In a Nairobi court, Ahmed Rashid defended himself against the accusations, claiming that he was merely carrying out his duty as a law-abiding police officer.
The judge approved bail for him in exchange for 200,000 shillings (about €1,350).
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Human rights organisations from Kenya and outside frequently accuse the Kenyan police of extrajudicial executions.
In particular, they have been accused of running hit squads targeting people, including lawyers, investigating alleged human rights violations by the security services.
According to the NGO Missing Voices, 1,349 people have died at the hands of the security forces since it began collecting data in 2007. Few investigations into these disappearances have resulted in convictions.
In October 2022, police officers were prosecuted for “crimes against humanity”, including the killing of a baby, in the 2017 post-election violence. According to the Kenyan NGO National Human Rights Commission, 94 people were killed, 201 were sexually abused and more than 300 were injured. The violence was mainly attributed to the police.
Kenyan President William Ruto, elected in August, announced on 16 October the dismantling of the dreaded Special Services Unit (SSU), a police unit created 20 years ago and under fire after cases of enforced disappearances and killings. The head of state also promised an overhaul of the police.
