Chris Kaba's family reveal 'devastation' as Met Police officer cleared
by Katherine Lawton · Mail OnlineChris Kaba's grieving family have revealed their 'devastation' after Met Police officer Martyn Blake was cleared of his murder.
Blake, 40, was dramatically found not guilty today after being accused of shooting dead Mr Kaba, 24, 'without justification' to stop the fleeing suspect escaping police.
Mr Kaba's family today revealed their 'unimaginable grief' at the loss of their relative, claiming their 'son deserved better' following the jury's verdict.
'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,' the family said in a statement.
'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.'
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Chris Kaba protests erupt at Old Bailey as Met marksman who shot him dead is CLEARED of murder
Protesters gathered outside the Old Bailey in central London tonight, hurling accusations of 'racism' and 'corruption' at police after Blake's acquittal.
A crowd of around 200 people bore signs including 'ashamed to be white' and 'born 1999, lynched 2022' in reference to the death of Mr Kaba.
Breaking down in tears, Sheeda Queen, a cousin of Mr Kaba, told the crowd the speed of Martyn Blake's acquittal was 'shameful'.
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.'
Amid chants of 'shame', she added: 'We had some hope, just a little, that maybe Chris's case would be the first.
'Are we surprised though? So shameful that we are not surprised the verdict came back guilty in a couple of hours.'
Protestors beat drums to the chant of 'no justice, no peace' as police officers watched the crowd nervously.
Temi Mwale of the Justice for Chris Kaba Campaign, said: 'That's what this country likes, racism,', adding: 'It is a falsehood to believe that we should justify these institutions, the policing... as the only thing that can keep us safe.'