Duration 27:55

Hunting down gangsters with Kenya’s Ahmed Rashid - BBC Africa Eye documentary

by BBC News Africa

6 107 031 watched

38.7 K

Published 10 Sep 2018

In 2017, mobile footage of a plain-clothed policeman gunning down two apparently unarmed men went viral in Kenya. But who is this cop and what prompted the shooting? BBC Africa Eye joins controversial officer Ahmed Rashid as he seeks to rid the streets of gangsters and criminals. For the first time cameras are allowed to follow his team in action in the Somali neighbourhood of Eastleigh, Nairobi. We hear from those who praise his unit and those who condemn them for what they say are a spate of extra-judicial killings. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

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Comments - 7446

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@smwanjohi6 years ago When the thieves are killing innocent civilians you dont say human rights but when policemen are killing thieves thats when you remember human rights... 4276
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@thethinkingstone92486 years ago “Boss, please, don’t annoy me”....at least he is being honest. 1776
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@rylanhartze79142 years ago This man fights so people dont have to feel the pain he has felt, he is a warrior and exactly what AFRICA needs !! 194
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@brendakipkemoi27383 years ago Somali Kenyans are an asset to our country. They are honest and full of integrity. They do not steal or take bribes, that's why they make the best security personnel, business people, and citizens in general. My local OCS is Somali and even criminals fear him. He gives them two warnings, the third warning is death, no negotiation. During the Westgate attack in 2013, my Somali schoolmate the late Hajji's son went in on his own accord and saved several people. Thank you my fellow Somali citizens, this may be controversial but at this point this is the only way to deal with crime in our country. ... 678
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@emmerwanjiru6 years ago Living in Nairobi is an EXTREME sport. This journalist deserves all the awards. His documentaries are amazing 1599
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@humanityfirst9486 years ago i live in Eastleigh
i was robbed many times and one time nearly killed
i still bear the stab wound
my friend was stabbed 16 times after refusing to hand over his wallet
he uses walking stick after damage to his nerves
he is only 22 years and will be so for the rest of his life
and i say this
Thank you Ahmed Rashid
God bless you,
God keep you
and we appreciate you and your team
God bless our Motherland ... 1531
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@gmshadowtraders2 years ago How the heck is this man not getting the recognition he so thoroughly deserves?! This is amazing!! 71
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@msamanga22773 years ago When an African police says "don't annoy me", usually it means you might be detained for spoiling his day 55
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@tdotp16186 years ago When a guy like that in uniform smiles and says "boss please, don't annoy me" you better immediately STFU!! 295
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@BensonNyasae6 years ago In Kenya we do not negotiate with criminals. Especially armed ones. Good job Ahmed. Finish them all. 1175
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@malieaki68833 years ago I pray for those who have lost their lives because of these criminals who fail to understand we are all surviving (times are hard but there always options) and for those brave officers who have died trying to make our night as peaceful. RIP. ... 86
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@frankgibson14193 years ago BBC expected a very negative story especially by the members of public but they were shocked to learn the public is so proud of Rashid's team 65
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@sharmarkeabdi91073 years ago Imisaa Axmed Rashiid soo raadisay arrinkii Sharma Boy ka dib 850
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@alanochieng78025 years ago I have been car jacked at gunpoint, robbed and held hostage for 3 hours with my family. That feeling of helplessness and fear is unforgettable. Mr Rashid is alright by me. These gangsters are ruthless and they deserve everything Rashid has in store for them ... 819
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@bettykagwiria533 years ago I have stayed in Eastleigh growing up, we would sleep at night and hear gunshots! Times on my way to school back then in 2008- 2009 and saw someone(s) dead on the road and people just passing. I will never forget. Glad to see security tightened. We are in difficult times with a high crime rate and not only in Eastleigh but everywhere. God help us. Stay safe. ... 232
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@IB_Adam2 years ago This journalist is one of the best and bravest in the world.He earned the trust and the administration of many people in Ethiopia when he went to the frontlines of the tragic civil war and reported it in a fair and balanced way that was lacking before him! ... 23
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@norbertpires15185 years ago The lawyer is worried because most of his clients are dead, the journalist is worried that there will not be any news to report if all the criminals are dead. 672
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@SudaneseChamp6 years ago Even the captain of that gang said they scared of him. Carry on my guy. Become a nightmare for them. 375
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@griffinberserk92952 years ago Holysht we need this kind of Justice in India !! Good Job Ahmed 👍👍 love from India. 12
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@petersimpson4873 years ago We in jamaica 🇯🇲 needs a 1000 police 👮‍♀️ like mr rasheed ✊🏿✊🏿 he is a blessing 9
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@mohammedcassim18165 years ago Rashid threatened that kid! Now he will never miss school 😂 439
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@ericmutula45984 years ago Almost two years later am here to confirm Eastleigh is a free crime zone I reside there. 630
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@waitforit4563 years ago You are doing a great job!!! For the homeless, widows and mentally or physically ill. These kinds of jobs are hard - but we need men of honor like you! Stop the violence 🗣
Peace and blessing upon you! 70
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@chrismugambi21212 years ago Always amazes me when a criminal defends his actions with poverty. Are they saying that, for example, in Kenya 13M people should all turn to crime? Let's stop the excuses, Crime is by choice! 26
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@terrywambui88685 years ago some of you don't really know the hell local Kenyans go through in the arms of these robbers. don't speak about what you have zero clues on! We support the pangani 6 294
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@mylesjahmu14436 years ago Anyone defending this criminals has never suffered in the hands of a criminal. Did you here about that citizen whose neck was chopped because of a simple telephone. This thieves are cruel. Killing is the least they do. If you defend them, then you are more of an accomplice. ... 441
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@mahadabdirahman82753 years ago We need Ahmed Rashiid here in Minneapolis especially Karmell Mall area!! May Allah bless him ❤️ 26
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@teresiakimani83532 years ago If you have never been robbed at Eastliegh you can't know the pain 11
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@lastanaz47163 years ago Sharma boy vediogiisa kadip inta Fiirsanooso
Like dhac ku siiya😂 401
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@NA-md9bz5 years ago Eliminate All Gangsters & Criminals.
You Have My Support Corporal Ahmed Rashid. 141
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@chillihaso95733 years ago The year 2017 I was in Eastleigh section 3 with my family. We were out and went for shopping. We saw a young guy 16 year old which was laying in the street killed by super power. He was bleeding so much. Those gangsters wanted to take his mobile but he just refused. So they were several in numbers and were not afraid of anyone. They were just standing there holding knives. The kid was dead . It was too unfortunate. So I think Ahmed Rashid or Abdirashid did well to turn Nairobi to be a safe place. Let all the criminal face justice and disappear. ... 21
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@natalieruss5993 years ago WHEN YOU INVEST, YOU'RE BUYING A DAY YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORK. 76
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@billbryan7615 years ago "Do I look like someone who woud hesitate from beating and killing? "
If that talk dosent motivate you to get to school....see you at the crossroads homie. 302
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@motrailblazer22346 years ago The same place I see is where one day I was attacked by 3 gangs around 7 am on my way to work. I tried to struggle and they stabbed me. Likely I survived with minor injury. I started throwing stones at them as a weapon to defend myself and later a crowd of people joined me and the culprits have been apprehended and they slightly escaped death after they were subjected to mob justice.
What still resonates with me is that when one of the thugs started bleeding for his life while a few minutes ago was ordering for my killing using a knife!
Tell them that everyone deserves to live and so they do. But am telling the so called super power or any other person in that course to immediately refrain and repent before they are predated upon by peace loving agents like Rashid.
I hope those who attacked me that day are no longer in the dirty business and reformed. I don’t want wish them death! Peace for everyone!
After 5 years outside the country I am glad to go back and enjoy time with family without disturbances by thugs. ... 166
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@STirZ_RockCityUg3 years ago In Uganda we have a saying that "If one branch of the tree is defective cut off completely so it doesn't affect the rest of the tree. I wish we had such a police officer in Uganda. Good work Rashid. 36
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@bgu58172 years ago Am staying at Eastleigh without fearing for superpowers thanks uncle Ahmed rashiid we proud you as a Somali Kenyans I wish one day I will meet you our brave 🙏💟💞💝 8
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@DecomagnaltdKenya5 years ago Legend has it this boy will become the ghost of the school and never leave... 63
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@papajohn27266 years ago Foreigners won't understand this??? I live in pangani and it is safe after Rashid and his colleagues came 52
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@isaactonyloi21853 years ago A few moths ago I was on an evening run along Thika super highway, I nearly lost my life that day because of my headphones, I had just graduated and was on my first job my parents are scared since then they call me every day just to make sure I'm back at the house by 8 pm. It is a scary and traumatizing and unless you have been gang robbed, it is easy to criticize what the police are doing on the basis of human rights. ... 32
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@Lovepreet_Singh933 years ago We need more police officers like him.. 15
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@ballsdeepincrypto4885 years ago I support those cops 100%. Get the thieves before the get good tax paying citizens. We need this cop in America!!! 169
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@dennismaina49225 years ago A criminal kills an innocent man. but he is released by court for lack of evidence, he comes back and continues with his robbery.
The guy don't accept bribes, he serves justice hot as it should. Salute rashid. 194
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@roshdadah65252 years ago The DPP has just approved murder charges against Ahmed Rashid 😭😭😭😭😭 why ? Why ? The man was just making Nairobi safe 5
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@BritBoundDiaries3 years ago One thing I like about the Pangani 6 is that they give criminals several warnings to change before they strike. They don't even ask them to surrender. They ask them to stop crime. They give them weeks and sometimes months; all the time a person needs to get something legal to do with their lives.
And they know their marks. Even if they arrested you by mistake and bundled you up with gang members, you'll most likely spend just a night or 2 in a cell but they'll never hurt you if you aren't in their watchlist ... 11
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@mvuyisityiwani90804 years ago "Isn'it better that a thief is killed before it kills you?" 43
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@rickiw86434 years ago I'm from the UK, I live in one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Peru. The rule of law only works in areas where the rule of law is respected. Ahmed Rashid is probably doing what is necessary, until a better system is put in place. ... 241
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@arcsys2 years ago Am Kenyan. I've been robbed once at gunpoint Nairobi. And twice by thugs armed with crude weapons. My opinion on Rashid ? Floor them all brother. Keep up the good work. 5
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@Dahir0032 years ago I get why the people of Eastleigh support Rashid. Most of the residents are somalis who have fled from the civil war in somalia. The came here for peace and they don't want this gangsters messing it up for them 9
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@kurianjuguna6756 years ago We are the Kenyans and we love badass cops. No negotiation with criminals 32
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@AyyZaj5 years ago "Boss!! Please don't annoy me." click, clack 80
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@hatorihanzo8032 years ago May Allah continue to guide and protect Officer Rashid 🙏🏻 he's a good man. 5
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@SuheybElmanowlimbo3 years ago Thanks to Ahmed Rashid for making eastleigh safe. 12
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@itzfusionplex42665 years ago This guy should be hired in Detroit or Chicago he’d destroy crime rates too 0% 467
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@bancymunene29605 years ago If you are not Kenyan, you don't know what robbers are capable of n they get away with it so don't comment 125
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@nancyjeffries90533 years ago Wow. I am so impressed by Officer Rashid and his men. A movie should be made about them. 6
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@cezzdankenya68122 years ago Kenya 🇰🇪is my motherland....May God give us ✌peace....live long Rashid and your team....Kenya should be safe for everyone.....if the boys don't stop the crime let them die....again we appreciate the team 5
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@nihleigleca67025 years ago Gangsters killing people everyday:
Complete silence from everyone
Policeman killed two gangsters:
BBC, NGOs, Radio Station all suddenly freak out.
What a joke 348
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@osmokheseng99035 years ago Wow m speechless😭! 16yrs old already lost 2 husbands.. it’s clear that those were not just terrorizing criminals but perverts as well. How do u make 16 yrs old a wife🤦🏾‍♀️.. so sad.. I stand by Rashid🙌🏾 keep up good work good cop. I vote for u proudly my African brother all the way from 🇿🇦 ... 149
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@Troy4fun2 years ago I PRAY FOR PEACE, LOVE, AND PROSPERITY FOR KENYA! 3
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@chefstravels84292 years ago people should be able to feel safe without being robbed and many times injured for something as trivial as a mobile phone. The people who do this to other people are vermin and should be removed from the community in one way or another. being kind to them obviously does not work. Well done Rashid. These horrible people also affect tourism as people just won't visit the country and as tourism is one of the biggest industries it needs to be protected for everyone's sake. ... 43
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@Paraplegicoctopus-jh3mn4 years ago Cops in the States: ''You have the right to remain silent...''
Kenyan cops: ''Hell is nice this time of year'', boom. 302
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@amnotthefather15183 years ago 😂😂😂Legend has it that the young man goes to school even on Sundays to check if indeed it's a school day and he happened to forget about it. 44
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@jamesmichubu46652 years ago This man is a superhero he has mad Nairobi to be the safest place in place but so far they are accusing him for killing a thugs that have been killing a thousands of people 😣😣😣so unfair 4
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@alqadaffi3 years ago Am so disgusted to see people-men and women in their right minds spending their precious time protesting the eliminations of killer gang members. 14
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@magerosamuel52433 years ago Am a Ugandan but am also a living testimony I was once robbed in Nairobi jst after coming from the bus they everything from me the phone , money and the bag so I was stuck in a country wcc I don't understand every well but thank God there was a samaritan who helped me so wen I see this man hunting them I just fill like at least I h've got justice much love from 🇺🇬🇺🇬🇺🇬 kip it up ... 16
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@lechatnocternal48176 years ago You heard that right folks, Deadpool lives in Kenya 163
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@Moibrah12133 years ago I was surprised when the man said, this is my younger brother who hated school and dropped it,and what has to do sought solutions and counseling from the undercover police. And the way secret police was communicating this poor teenager. ... 4
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@BirdboyEnt3 years ago In highschool I witnessed a gunshot exchange between cops and robbers at midday in Eastleigh. That place was crazy!! 1
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@ahmadhh36054 years ago What a man. Serving and helping his community like a true Hero. 89
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@sweetedge4real5 years ago i felt his pain when he cried.he must be very hurt by the death of his colleague 156
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@abdiwahababdullahi21562 years ago These squads r very important in restoring peace in such busy places , God bless your job
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@BrianMwangiGitau2 years ago I really wish he could have attached the video of a Kenyan police disarming a criminal with two weapons. it must not end by killing someone. 3
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@a.s88975 years ago He's just making the criminals live in terror rather than the innocent 96
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@artisthusnatalal30996 years ago I pray for peace, Love, and Unity in Kenya !!! 100
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@agbontaenefe2 years ago Right from the 40 sec of this video, I already love this Man 1
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@untitledchannel47856 years ago I'm still in shock that no one noticed or even complained of the fact that this girl who is only 16 years old has been married twice to two grown men and has children.That is UNDERAGE MARRIAGE AND IT'S ILLEGAL IN KENYA.That can be considered as rape. ... 188
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@princemarora6 years ago Every country has special secret officers that do the same work as Rashid. They just don't show it. Some bad guys deserve no justice. People who are killing, robbing, stabbing innocent civilians cannot stay in the community. Officer Rashid gets things done. ... 156
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@nali197519753 years ago I personally think this police officer is doing a amazing work..his actions talks loud..good job officer 8
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@mosesmuchemi72213 years ago I can assure you these cops know their marks..I happened to have been bundled up with thugs during a routine cop round-up..I was later charged for drunk and disorderly but the suspected thugs were picked up by another cop (Maasai) known for such killings and they know their time on earth was up -it was a scary experience for me. ... 73
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@michaelakomeah36705 years ago AM HAPPY A MAN LIKE RASHID JUST POP UP, I LOVE HIS SINCERE WORK.CRIMINALS DONT NEED TO BE ENTERTAINED AT ALL.THANKS RASHID 14
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@wesonga76146 years ago i think he should start hunting down the corrupt people in government... i will support him... kenyans, we are tired 161
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@zakibashir40673 years ago The lion 🦁 who cleaned up gangsters and criminals in Eastleigh and Nairobi at large, may he life longer. 5
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@alexcorleone3926last year We need officers like Ahmed Rashid here in the US crime ridden city centers. Couple of the gang leaders taken out in front of everyone would make a very much needed statement. This is the only way I see the crime stoped. 5
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@Checkers-cg5lz6 years ago salute to Corporal Ahmed Rashid... we need someone like him in the Philippines.....please.... 265
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@gkamau445 years ago Living in Eastleigh, Rashid has done us well!! Fewer crimes nowadays!! 271
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@alammutiara88883 years ago You are doing a job no one dares to do Rashed. You are protecting innocent and law abiding people. ❤️🇵🇭 2
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@thediplomat61656 years ago This police man needs protection, support and encouragement and promotion ... Good job sir. 185
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@ahmednoushad33746 years ago Kenyan Police team is the best. Mr. Rashid and his boss is the best. We need more of them in this world!! Really more and more! 30
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@edithduncans67812 years ago One thing I know, Rashid always give warning before eliminating them. He gives them chance to change or move away to rural areas for good . 4
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@alexandermbithi37612 years ago People suffer in their hands.I just pray for peace and unity. Great job
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@DeejayEscoKenya3 years ago Who's watching this after the Spy video 74
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@fancyIOP6 years ago I wholeheartedly support this...criminals put citizens in fear, no matter how big or small the crime is but it affects the citizens. 59
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@trc8363 years ago When u give leadership to Somali job done 💙 11
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@hayehaye56242 years ago I remember years ago we couldn’t be outside past 3pm now we are out playing football 1am and only worrying about Ahmed rashids undercover car 😂 3
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@diydcappa6 years ago Basically you revenge a death legally by being on the force. Genius 18
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@Tumushabe3335 years ago These guys actually show up when you call, most police stations ask if the thieves have guns and if your answer is yes then they won't show up 94
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@limcy31992 years ago Desperate times call for desperate measures 💯💯this guy should continue doing what he does 11
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@princevegeta97632 years ago Mohamed standing there like "I just want him to go to school bro I don't know about that other shit"🤣🤣🤣 2