Over the last 20 years, several police officers have made headlines for dealing with crime aggressively. Despite facing condemnation from some residents and human rights groups for their brutal murders, most Kenyans have continued to applaud their efforts in reducing the crime rate. Here are three of the most feared cops in Kenya.
Ahmed Rashid
Rashid became known to the public when he led the informal “Pangani Six” unit in Eastleigh to deal with rampant crime in the region. Using the feared unit, which operated in plain clothes, Rashid went on to reduce robbery and theft in Eastleigh, earning accolades from local residents and businesspeople who were tired of the high crime rate.
Rashid’s name spiralled even more in 2017 after a video of him shooting two teenagers in Eastleigh went viral. The video depicted Rashid shooting the two teenagers at close range outside Amal Shopping Complex. Later, in 2022, following a probe by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, Rashid was charged with the murder of the two youngsters. Currently, his retrial is still ongoing.
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Titus Musila Katitu
The former Githurai-based cop has been known as one of the most brutal officers when it comes to handling criminals. As one of the fearless officers who dealt with robbers in Nairobi’s slums, Katitu became an emblem of ruthless policing.
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Despite being hailed for reducing crime, his career ended when he was convicted of murder and sentenced to death, though this was adjusted to life imprisonment, with eligibility for appeal.
Japheth Koome
Koome’s strict stance against criminals saw him rise through the ranks to become a senior commander, despite critics labelling him the most feared cop in Kenya.
Even when there was public outcry over police brutality, he did not relent as he continued to oversee operations against crime in Nairobi.
In July 2024, Japheth was forced to write a resignation letter after residents accused him of using excessive force.
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Despite being heroes in communities terrorised by rampant crime, the legacies of these police officers remain divided.
