Mosiria wants leaders with shooting cases held accountable after Malema sentencing
By Ascah Mwango, April 17, 2026Nairobi County Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement and Customer Service Geoffrey Mosiria has weighed in on the recent sentencing of South African opposition leader Julius Malema, suggesting that leaders facing shooting-related accusations should not be treated differently from ordinary citizens.
In a statement shared via his X account, Mosiria questioned whether similar legal standards should apply in other countries, including Kenya, where he suggested that leaders accused of shooting incidents have continued to move freely while their cases remain pending.
He pointed to the emotional toll on victims’ families, saying they are often left watching accused individuals continue with public life while court processes drag on.
“This is the video that has sent Julius Malema to five years in jail. Can this law be applied to other criminals in power who have shot people some victims still alive, others dead yet are still walking freely with pending court cases? I am asking on behalf of the families who are forced to watch such individuals move freely. Ama vipi majamaaa ?” Mosiria questioned.
His remarks come after Malema, the leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), was sentenced to five years in prison on April 16, 2026, in a firearm-related case that has drawn wide political and public attention.
Malema sentencing sparks debate across Africa
The South African court found Malema guilty over an incident linked to a 2018 political rally where he was accused of unlawfully firing a rifle in public, alongside charges of illegal possession of ammunition and reckless endangerment. The court ruled that his actions were serious enough to warrant a custodial sentence, though he has since been released pending appeal.
The sentencing has triggered strong reactions across the continent, with supporters describing it as politically charged, while critics argue it reinforces the need for accountability, especially for public figures.
According to reports, Malema’s case could also have long-term political consequences, including possible disqualification from serving in parliament if the sentence is upheld.