Arsenal Football Club did a citation on Tuesday 29th January 2019 in honor of the late Carilton Maina during the English Premier League, home game against Cardiff at the Emirates Stadium in London.
The Arsenal Kenya member, Carilton David Maina, aged just 22 recently died in a tragic incident. Born in Africa’s biggest slum Kibera, Carilton excelled academically, winning a scholarship to study engineering in Leeds which enabled him to visit the Emirates Stadium to see his heroes. “Maina” was also a talented player, recently a goalkeeper for Gor Mahia FC and was also a TedEx presenter. Commenting about Maina’s passing, the Arsenal FC official program for 29 January 2019 read, “Our thoughts are with Carilton Family and Friends.” during Arsenal Cardiff home game at Emirates Stadium.
On the eve of 23 December 2018, Carilton met his death at the hands of the Police in Kibera under unclear circumstances. Carilton and his friends were coming from watching a football match before they were confronted by the police officer.
Although the Police are yet to make any arrests over a month after the incident, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has publicly stated that it is in the process of investigating the matter. The National Police Service on its part has stated that it will abide by the recommendations made by IPOA.
Amnesty International Kenya continues to pressure duty bearers to get to the bottom of the matter to ensure justice is served for Carilton and countless other Kenyan youth killed in the same manner.
“Carilton’s tragic death showcases how extra judicial killings are endemic in Kenya, especially in urban low-income areas. In the past 3 months, Civil Society Organizations and community justice centers have documented over 30 such cases. Statistics indicate that those who are killed are often between 16 to 27 years old.” Said Irungu Houghton, Executive Director, Amnesty International Kenya.
