In a rare and symbolic ruling, a Nairobi court has ordered four police officers to buy bread, milk, and hygiene items for remandees as punishment for skipping court proceedings in a high-profile police brutality case involving officer Ahmed Rashid.
The officers were expected to testify in a long-running trial accusing Rashid, a former Pangani-based police officer, of executing two unarmed youths in Eastleigh in 2017. Only one out of six summoned officers appeared in court on the scheduled day.
Instead of handing down jail terms or fines for contempt of court, High Court Judge Diana Kavedza issued a humanitarian-style sentence: bring essential supplies to detainees and court attendees or remain in custody.
⚖️ HUMANITARIAN PUNISHMENT STIRS COURTROOM EMOTIONS
The officers were instructed to provide loaves of bread, packets of milk, bar soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and other basic items as a form of symbolic justice. The unusual ruling sparked emotional reactions from both remandees and observers inside Kibera Law Courts.
“This is the punishment you pay for missing court. Before I let you go, bring one bread, a bar of soap, milk, and toiletries—not just for remandees, but for everyone present,” said Justice Kavedza.
The courtroom atmosphere shifted, with smiles and quiet gratitude replacing the usual tension. For many awaiting trial, the rare act of generosity was a brief moment of dignity in a system often perceived as hostile and slow.
📰 MEDIA UNDER SCRUTINY OVER RASHID SHOOTING REPORT
The case took another unexpected twist when the court summoned two Nation Media Group journalists, Cynthia Makena and Nicholas Njoroge, over a report implicating Ahmed Rashid in the double homicide.
The article, published online, claimed a witness had directly identified Rashid as the shooter and alleged that one of the victims was handcuffed at the time of the execution. The defense team led by lawyer Danstan Omari claimed the story was misleading and could sway public opinion.
“The article implies guilt before judgment. If the court rules otherwise, it could appear that justice ignored the truth,” said Omari.
Judge Kavedza confirmed the story referenced court proceedings that had already been transcribed and warned that such reporting could jeopardize fair trial standards. The two journalists are expected to appear before the court on August 18.
🕰️ 9-YEAR CASE TO BE FAST-TRACKED BY CHIEF JUSTICE KOOME
With growing public interest and pressure for closure, Chief Justice Martha Koome has granted authorization for court sittings during judicial recess to fast-track the case.
The trial—now in its ninth year—has become one of Kenya’s longest-running police misconduct cases. The court is expected to hear from 21 witnesses when hearings resume on August 21, with plans to wrap up testimony within four consecutive days.
“We’ve delayed long enough. The Chief Justice has empowered me to continue this case through recess. It’s time to conclude it,” said Judge Kavedza.
🧾 ABOUT THE CASE: WHO IS AHMED RASHID?
Ahmed Rashid is a former police officer attached to Pangani Police Station. He is accused of fatally shooting two young men in Eastleigh in 2017. A viral video showing the incident sparked national outrage and calls for justice.
Rashid has maintained that the shooting was lawful and in line with his duties. However, human rights activists argue the killings were extrajudicial and demand accountability for growing police abuses in urban areas.
