Felicia Roberts
On the 5th of September 2022, Chris Kaba was fatally shot by a police officer whilst unarmed in Streatham Hill, South London.
Investigation into the victim’s death
The 24-year-old black man and aspiring rapper, Chris Kaba, was driving his Audi when he was boxed in by police officers after they chased him down.
One of the officers then shot Kaba through the car window on the driver’s side which led to his death.
A murder investigation, by the Independent Office for Police Service, was launched to conduct an evaluation into the death of the victim. It will take 6-9 months for a conclusion to be reached.
Image courtesy of Alisdare Hickson on Flickr. No changes were made to this image. Image license found here
Officer Suspended
Bell Ribeiro-Addy, MP for Streatham Bell, and Harriet Harman, MP for Camberwell and Peckham, fought alongside Chris Kaba’s family so that the police officer who killed him would be disciplined. They called it “incomprehensible” that he wouldn’t be.
Amanda Pearson, the Assistant Commissioner, explained that the decision to suspend the officer was made “following careful consideration of a number of factors, including the significant impact on public confidence, and in light of the Independent Office for Police Conduct announcing a homicide investigation.”
After giving her condolences to Kaba’s family, she then asked for any witnesses to come forward with information to aid the investigation.
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, showed support for the decision to suspend the officer saying, “My thoughts remain with Chris Kaba’s loved ones at this intensely difficult time as the IOPC continue their independent homicide investigation.”
Chris Kaba’s cousin says Chris’ fiancé was supposed to be planning a baby shower, not a funeral. Unspeakably heartbreaking. #ChrisKaba #JusticeforChrisKaba pic.twitter.com/3VSBkil7OY
— Georgie Robertson (@_GeorgieBlaise) September 17, 2022
Justice for Chris Kaba
Since the news broke of Kaba’s murder, rallies have been taking place across the UK with Kaba’s cousin, Jefferson Bosela, leaving his teaching career behind to become the lead spokesman of the campaign.
More marches will be happening in London, Brighton, Southampton, and Manchester.
These events are peaceful protests which demand justice for the unarmed Chris Kaba who was fatally shot by a police officer and his family.
Protestors are using slogans such as “Abolish the Met” and “No Justice, No Peace”.
The MP of Hackney North, Diane Abbott, also spoke at the demonstration. She said, “I don’t know how I would feel if it was my own son killed in cold blood. Chris is not the only black man gunned down by the Met Police”.
A grieving family wanting justice
Kaba’s family’s prior requests have been met; along with the officer’s suspension, they also received the opportunity to view the body cam footage of the incident.
They have now called for the officer to be interviewed under caution and for the family to be kept up to date with the goings on. As well as a demand for decisions to be made within weeks instead of months as predicted.
Public opinion
I’ve received over 100 racist replies since writing this. I think it’s high time I apologised…for absolutely nothing. I said what I said without fear or favour and meant every word. https://t.co/D5YCT6qKG9
— Michael Morgan (@mikewhoatv) September 17, 2022
Many believe that the events following the late Majesty the Queen, Elizabeth II, have overshadowed the death of Chris Kaba. Sky news even reported the Justice for Chris Kaba marches as a tribute walk for the Queen’s death. After writing about the situation, Michael Morgan faced a mass amount of racist comments.
You can find more information on the Justice for Chris Kaba rallies on the @JusticeForChrisKaba Instagram page which is run by his family.
Featured image courtesy of Don Blanford on Flickr. No changes were made to this image. Image license found here
