Former prison warden Jackson Kihara, alias Cop Shakur, has sparked a wave of public concern after opening up online about his personal struggles, revealing a painful story of loss, debt, and depression.
In a deeply emotional post shared on social media, Shakur, who gained popularity for his outspoken activism on police welfare, said he is at his “lowest moment,” having lost nearly everything he owns and facing an arrest warrant over mounting debts.
The 42-year-old father says he is struggling to raise his children alone as he pleads for a job opportunity, whether as a security bouncer or driver, to help him rebuild his life and provide a stable future for his young family.
“I'm in debt, I've been auctioned, I have an arrest warrant against me, and I can't pay my bills or provide for my daughter,” he said.
“I've tried to stay strong, but life has been heavy.”
The former officer, once admired for using his platform to speak out about police mental health and working conditions, said the hardships he faces today are not solely tied to his dismissal from the service.
“After losing my job illegally because of my activism, something I'll never regret, I had actually planned well. What I'm going through now has nothing to do with losing that job,” he said.
According to Shakur, a series of business misfortunes pushed him into debt exceeding Sh1 million.
His car-hire company suffered losses after multiple vehicles were damaged in accidents, while an outdoor event he organised last December failed due to heavy rain.
“That’s how I ended up deep in debt. I’ve been trying to stay afloat through events and business, but everything collapsed,” he said.
Beyond the financial crisis, Shakur revealed he has battled mental-health challenges.
The trauma, he said, triggered a spiral of hopelessness and multiple suicide attempts.
“I swallowed pills, tried to suffocate myself, even tried hanging, but every time, I woke up. Maybe God wasn’t done with me yet,” he shared.
Shakur says he is determined to keep fighting for a fresh start.
“I don’t blame anyone. I just want to rebuild for my daughter, and for myself,” he said.
His admission has prompted an outpouring of support from Kenyans online, with many urging him to seek professional help and others offering financial assistance or emotional encouragement.
The National Police Service Commission and the National Police Service (NPS) have, in recent years, acknowledged rising cases of stress, substance abuse, and suicide within the force.
Cop Shakur's woes began when he joined Kenyans in anti-finance bill protests on June 24, 2024, and was subsequently interdicted from service before being laid off.
