Cop Shakur Talks About Depression
Activist and former prison warden Jackson Kihara, who’s better known as Cop Shakur, recently opened up about the tough times he’s been facing since losing his job.
In a heartfelt video he posted on his social media on Friday, October 10, he talked about the overwhelming financial struggles, the weight of depression, and even the dark thoughts that have crossed his mind.
Shakur shared that he’s hit rock bottom, admitting he’s lost almost everything he once held dear.
“I’m at my lowest moment. I’ve lost everything. 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. I’ve tried to stay strong, but life has been heavy,” he said.
Shakur shared that his decline wasn’t solely due to losing his job; it was the ongoing business struggles that piled up over time that really took a toll.
“After losing my job illegally because of my activism, something I’ll never regret standing for, I had actually planned myself well. What I’m going through now has nothing to do with losing that job. Things got worse later because of the businesses I invested in,” he added.
Shakur shared that the setbacks he faced with his events and car rental businesses have put him in over Ksh1 million worth of debt.
“I’ve been surviving through events and my car hire business, but last year in December, I organized an event that failed badly because of the rain. I lost a lot of money. My cars also got into accidents and others broke down. That’s how I ended up deep in debt over 1 million shillings,” he further said.
Shakur shared that the setbacks he faced with his events and car rental businesses have put him in over Ksh1 million worth of debt.
“There was a time I felt so hopeless that I tried to take my own life not once, but several times. 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 stated
The latest news comes just weeks after Shakur revealed he was stepping away from the Fighting Brutality and Impunity (FBI) movement.
In a statement made on Tuesday, August 27, he clarified that his departure wasn’t a rejection of the movement’s goals, but rather a choice that aligns with his own values.
Shakur also mentioned that he has informed fellow members Patrick Osoi and Hiram Kimathi about his decision to leave the movement.
“After much reflection, I have decided to step away from the Fighting Brutality and Impunity movement. Leaving the FBI movement is not a rejection of its mission, but a choice of a new direction aligned with my principles.
“I have communicated with my fellow members, Patrick Osoi and Hiram Kimathi, about this decision. I remain committed to justice and peaceful reform, and I wish the movement well as it continues its work for a fairer society,” he said.
Shakur stepped away from the movement just weeks after he was arrested for alleged connections to criminal activities and for having restricted items in his possession.
When he was taken into custody, he was spotted wearing a red beret with the FBI symbol on it, which authorities claimed could be linked to the group’s operations.
In separate actions, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) also apprehended Osoi and Kimathi.
However, the three of them were released on a cash bail of Ksh50,000 each after making an appearance at the Kahawa Law Courts.
“Today at Kahawa Law Courts, we secured the freedom of the FBI Team- Fighting Brutality and Impunity in Kenya. They were released on cash bail of Ksh50,000 each. A big thank you to all the Advocates who played a role in the release of Cop Shakur, Cop Kimathi, and Osoi,” Embakasi East MP and lawyer, Babu Owino, said on August 8.
Cop Shakur Talks About Depression
