Federation ‘hugely shocked’ at decision to name officer charged with Chris Kaba murder

Mr Kaba, 24, died on September 5, 2022, after he was fatally shot in Streatham Hill following a pursuit by specialist Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) firearms officers.

The officer, named for the first time as Martyn Blake, was previously identified only as NX121 after an interim anonymity order was granted following an application by their legal representatives.

However, at the Old Bailey on Friday (March 8), Judge Mark Lucraft lifted the anonymity order after media organisations challenged the legal application to protect his identity. The officer pleaded not guilty to murder.

The Crown Prosecution Service had authorised the charge of murder against the officer following a referral from the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Rick Prior, acting chair of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said: “The Metropolitan Police Federation and the colleagues we represent are hugely shocked, saddened and concerned over the decision to name the firearms officer involved in this incident.

“We still await the results of the Home Office’s ‘accountability review’ into operational policing but it goes without saying that our police officers must have full confidence that they have the protection needed to do this difficult and dangerous job society expects of them.

“Being a firearms officer in London is one of the world’s toughest jobs. Officers, who volunteer for the role, know the responsibility and accountability that comes with it. It is a job like no other and they need fairness when it comes to scrutiny.

“As a Federation, we can reassure our members that we continue to support the officer and his family at this difficult time; and will work to mitigate any risks this decision from the courts might bring.

“We also continue to provide support to those brave colleagues who willingly undertake this challenging firearms role every day to keep Londoners safe.”