Former Prison Warden ‘Cop Shakur’ Opens Up About Loss, Debt, and Depression

Former prison officer Jackson Kihara, better known as Cop Shakur, has bared his soul in a deeply emotional confession about the hardships that have pushed him to his breaking point.

The 42-year-old father revealed that he is battling loss, debt, and depression, describing his current situation as the “lowest moment” of his life.

From Advocate to Outcast

Shakur first rose to prominence for his outspoken advocacy on police welfare and mental health. However, his troubles began in June 2024 after he joined nationwide protests against the Finance Bill. His participation led to his interdiction and eventual dismissal from the service — a move he insists was politically motivated and unlawful.

Despite losing his job, Shakur maintains that his downfall was not caused by unemployment but by business setbacks that followed.

“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 confessed.

Business Collapse and Mounting Debt

After leaving the prison service, Shakur ventured into entrepreneurship, launching a car-hire company. However, a series of misfortunes — including accidents that destroyed several vehicles — left him drowning in debt, now estimated at over Sh1 million.

He also tried his hand at event organising, but his most recent event in December was rained out, resulting in heavy losses.

“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 explained.

Facing Arrest and Emotional Breakdown

Shakur said auctioneers have taken what little he had left, and he now faces an active arrest warrant. Beyond his financial woes, he admitted to struggling with severe depression that began after a painful betrayal in his marriage.

“My mental health struggles started after my ex-wife cheated on me with my best friend on my own bed. I found them. That moment broke me completely. But I don’t blame her because I wasn’t there for her. I take responsibility for my part in how things fell apart,” he shared.

He revealed that the emotional trauma pushed him to the edge, leading to multiple suicide attempts through pills, suffocation, and even hanging.

A Plea for a Second Chance

Despite everything, Shakur says he has not given up. He is determined to rebuild his life and provide for his daughter.

“I don’t blame anyone for what I’m going through. I just want to start again — for myself and my family,” he said.