The family of Chris Kaba has spoken out about their “devastation” after Metropolitan Police officer Martyn Blake was cleared of his murder. Blake, 40, was found not guilty today at the Old Bailey after being accused of shooting 24-year-old Kaba “without justification” in South London in September 2022.
Family’s Heartbreak
In a statement released following the jury’s verdict, the Kaba family expressed their grief and sense of injustice. Today, we are devastated. The not guilty verdict leaves us with the deep pain of injustice adding to the unbearable sorrow we have felt since Chris was killed,” they said. No family should endure the unimaginable grief we have faced. Chris was stolen from us, and this decision shows his life—and many others like him—does not matter to the system. Our son deserved better.
The family also expressed their gratitude to those who have supported them throughout the trial, vowing to continue their fight for justice. Despite this verdict, we won’t be silenced. We are deeply grateful to everyone who stood by us and fought for justice. We will continue fighting for Chris, for justice, and for real change. Chris’ life mattered, and nothing can take that away from us.
Protests Outside the Old Bailey
Following the verdict, around 200 protesters gathered outside the Old Bailey, holding signs that read “ashamed to be white” and “born 1999, lynched 2022” in reference to Chris Kaba’s death. Demonstrators accused the police of “racism” and “corruption” as they chanted “no justice, no peace,” and beat drums.
Emotional scenes unfolded as Sheeda Queen, Kaba’s cousin, addressed the crowd, expressing the family’s shock and grief. Breaking down in tears, she said, “My family can’t be here. On the first day, when we started the trial, we watched footage of Chris being killed. We carried on watching it because it was part of the evidence. My auntie started shaking, crying uncontrollably. My auntie and uncle both got health conditions because of this trauma.”
Voices for Change
Protest leaders, including Temi Mwale of the Justice for Chris Kaba Campaign, condemned the verdict and called for systemic change. “That’s what this country likes—racism,” she said. “It is a falsehood to believe that we should justify these institutions, the policing… as the only thing that can keep us safe.”
The acquittal of Blake has intensified calls for accountability in the policing system, particularly regarding fatal incidents involving officers. Demonstrators outside the court, led by members of the Justice for Chris Kaba Campaign, vowed to continue pushing for reform and justice.
Background of the Case
Chris Kaba was shot through the windscreen of his car in Streatham, South London, on September 5, 2022. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) accused Blake of firing “without justification” as Kaba attempted to flee police officers during a chase. The trial, which lasted nearly three weeks, involved extensive bodycam footage showing the moments leading up to the shooting.
Despite the prosecution’s case, Blake was cleared after the jury deliberated for only a few hours. The acquittal has sparked widespread criticism and protests, as the public demands answers over what they see as a failure of justice.
Calls for Continued Support
Chris Kaba’s family and supporters have urged the public to continue rallying behind their cause as they seek further legal avenues and systemic reforms. The Justice for Chris Kaba Campaign has vowed to press on, emphasising that their fight is far from over.
