That good things are for the bold, rings true for prison officer Jackson Kuria. He courageously took part in the Gen Z protests in full uniform, waving a placard.
Kuria has not only got back his job but has also been honoured among the foremost activists in the country.
From the pain of taxes, worsening conditions of living and the high-handed police response to protests, Kuria, 26, decided he could not sit back.
During the anti-Finance Bill protests, he was among the retinue of armed security officers deployed to quell the protests. But instead of battling the protesters, Kuria picked a placard and join the demonstration.
At the time, he was stationed at Kamiti Maximum Prison. He has been in uniform for five years. “My conviction to protest was fueled by the high cost of living in the country and the bill, which was going to make things worse for us. Many of us cops suffer in silence because of our welfare,” he said.
His superiors immediately interdicted him. Luckily, he got back his job. On Friday, Defenders Coalition, a lobby working to secure the welfare, safety and mental wellness of human rights defenders, declared Kuria one of the foremost activists in Kenya.
The ceremony held at the Danish embassy in Nairobi saw Kuria voted the most popular human rights defender. He told the Star that though being a uniformed officer, he is convinced that not speaking up against oppressive laws and unfair policies just to preserve his payslip was not worth it.
“We are all citizens of Kenya. Everything that affects you, affects me. Taxes affect me. When people are shot, my brother can be shot on the street,” he said.
Kuria, who is a married father of
one, said although his family constantly fears for his life and job, his
conscience is clear.
