Chris Kaba’s family issue statement after Met Police officer cleared of murder

Chris Kaba’s devastated family have broken their silence after Met Police firearms officer Martyn Blake was cleared of his murder.

A jury found Martyn Blake, 40, not guilty of the 24-year-old’s murder after three hours of deliberations at the Old Bailey on Monday.

Mr Kaba was fatally shot in Streatham, London, on September 5, 2022, while driving an Audi that had been used in a shooting the previous evening.

His parents, Helen Lumuanganu and Prosper Kaba, were pictured arriving at London’s Central Criminal Court earlier today, while the family left court abruptly after the verdict was delivered.

In a statement issued by campaign group Inquest after the verdict today, Chris Kaba’s family said: “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 added: “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 acquittal of Martyn Blake isn’t just a failure for our family, but for all those affected by police violence.

“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.”

Deborah Coles, director of campaign group Inquest, added: “It is difficult to reconcile the verdict with the evidence heard at the trial and the shocking reality of an unarmed black man being shot in the head.

“This verdict must not now be used by the police lobby to further dilute police accountability.”

One family member could be seen rocking backwards and forwards as the not guilty verdict was delivered in court, PA reports.

His family walked away from the courtroom in the Old Bailey in silence with their police family liaison officer.

Frank Ferguson, Head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: “First and foremost I want to say that my thoughts and those of the CPS remain with the family of Chris Kaba.

“Today armed Metropolitan Police officer Martyn Blake has been found not guilty of the charge of murder. We fully respect the jury’s decision.

“This has been a complex and sensitive case and the decision to prosecute was made after an in-depth consideration of all the available evidence.

We recognise that firearms officers operate under enormous pressure, but it is our responsibility to put cases before a jury that meet our test for prosecution, and we are satisfied that test was met in this case.

“It is therefore right that the case was put before the jury for them to scrutinise and to decide. They have carefully considered each piece of evidence, including video and Martyn Blake’s own account. They have made up their minds in the proper way and we thank them for doing so.”