Chris Kaba family plan march one year after his killing by police officer

The family of 24-year-old Chris Kaba, who was fatally shot by a firearms police officer one year ago, are planning a peaceful protest to demand answers from the Met.

The rapper, from Wembley, also known as Madiz and part of the MOBO-nominated drill group 67, was due to be a father before he was shot by police following a car chase which ended in Kirkstall Gardens, Streatham on September 5, 2022.

It has been confirmed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is investigating the case, that Mr Kaba was unarmed when he was shot.

The family are still waiting for answers and a charging decision from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

In a joint statement, the family of Chris Kaba said: “We demand a charging decision without further delay. Throughout the last year there has been a lack of urgency.

“Our family, alongside the community who have supported us over the past year, have been consistent in our call for accountability.

“We believe that it was possible within six months of Chris being killed both for the IOPC to complete a well-resourced and effective criminal investigation and for the CPS to provide us with a charging decision.

“It is almost unbelievable that a year on we still wait for answers. It is agonising not knowing the CPS decision.

“It is unacceptable that we have been failed by the CPS, which has not completed its task urgently or in a timely fashion.

“We very much hope that the CPS decide in days (not weeks or months) from now in favour of a prosecution and that the truth will emerge, without further delay, through criminal proceedings.

“Our family and community cannot continue waiting for answers.

“Chris was so loved by our family and all his friends. He had a bright future ahead of him before his life was cut short. We must see justice for Chris.”

This Saturday, the family campaign is holding a peaceful protest to demand answers and justice for Chris Kaba, from 12pm starting at New Scotland Yard.

Five months ago, in March, the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), announced the conclusion of its homicide investigation and confirmed that it had passed the file to the CPS to consider potential criminal charges.

Daniel Machover of legal firm Hickman & Rose, who represent the family, said: “I am appalled that, after the IOPC took almost seven months to complete its investigation, the CPS has failed to complete its task within a further five months.

“In what other comparable suspected homicide case involving firearms discharged by a civilian does the CPS consider it appropriate to take so long to make a charging decision?

“CPS decision making when police officers are suspects is too slow and cumbersome.”

The CPS has been contacted for comment.