Friday June 14, 2024
Ahmed Rashid (in green jacket) faces murder charges for allegedly killing two teenagers in Eastleigh in 2017. Photo: Handout.
Nairobi (HOL) — The murder trial of former Pangani police officer Ahmed Rashid, accused of killing two teenagers, Jamal Mohamed and Mohammed Dahir, resumed this week at the Kibera Law Courts. The case has drawn significant public attention due to Rashid's controversial reputation and the emotional testimonies from the victims' families.
Ramadan Karani, the grandfather of Jamal Mohamed, recounted how he discovered his grandson's death through a news broadcast. "I saw the case on TV and about my grandchild Jamal Mohamed. I was shocked and tried to call my nephew to ascertain what had happened," he told the court. Karani described the harrowing visit to the mortuary, where he saw his grandson's body with multiple gunshot wounds. During cross-examination, Karani was shown images of his grandson in a police uniform and holding a metallic object. He clarified that Jamal was not a police officer and likely borrowed the uniform from a friend.
Another key witness, who testified in-camera, expressed fear for their safety, highlighting the high-stakes nature of this trial. The state has prepared an extensive witness list, with 25 individuals, including police officers and civilians, expected to testify against Rashid.
Rashid, known for his tough stance on crime in Eastleigh, has been a polarizing figure. He was ordered to surrender to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Garissa and undergo a medical examination before his trial. The charges stem from an incident on March 31, 2017, at Amal Plaza in Eastleigh, Nairobi, where Rashid allegedly shot and killed the two teenagers in broad daylight. The Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) initiated the case following public outcry and the emergence of a viral video showing the shootings.
The trial, presided over by Justice Diana Kavedza, is set to continue with additional testimonies in the coming weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for June 12, 2024. During the initial hearings, the prosecution detailed the sequence of events leading to the fatal shootings, while the defence questioned the credibility of the evidence and the motivations behind the charges.
The prosecution's strategy involves painting Rashid as a rogue officer who took the law into his own hands. In contrast, Rashid's defence argues that he acted in self-defence and within the scope of his duties as a police officer. Rashid has denied the charges, asserting that the accusations are part of a concerted effort to tarnish his reputation.
The case has sparked a national debate on the use of force by law enforcement and the need for comprehensive police reforms. Human rights organizations have been closely monitoring the proceedings, advocating for justice for the victims and their families.