Met Police resist full inquest into Chris Kaba's death
Family seek answers as coroner considers whether to resume proceedings after pre-inquest review.
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Trust 66 – several officials named and police statement quoted, yet only one source and no quantitative data.
Higher is stronger
Critic 95 – clear why it matters, quotes from both police and family, specific details and next steps.
Higher is stronger
Hype 48 – headline uses emotive phrasing, but article remains factual with limited sensational language.
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The Metropolitan Police have told a coroner that a full inquest into the death of Chris Kaba, who was shot by an officer in Streatham in 2022, is “not in the public interest”. The comments were made during a pre-inquest review at Southwark Coroner’s Court on 1 October 2026.
Background to the shooting
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Mr Kaba, 24, was shot by Sergeant Martyn Blake in September 2022. At the time of the incident in Streatham, south-east London, Mr Kaba had been attempting to drive past police vehicles in an Audi that had been linked to previous firearms incidents. Sergeant Blake was publicly known as NX121.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) cleared Sergeant Blake of murder in August 2024. A trial at the Old Bailey concluded in October 2024 with Sergeant Blake's acquittal. The IOPC also confirmed in August 2024 that no disciplinary action would be pursued against the officer.
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James Harman, deputy assistant commissioner at the Metropolitan Police, stated at the review that the circumstances surrounding Mr Kaba’s death had already been fully established through the IOPC investigation and the criminal trial. He added that resuming the inquest and duplicating previous investigations would not serve the public interest. The police force’s thoughts remain with Mr Kaba’s family.
Matthew Ryder KC, representing the Kaba family, described it as “astonishing” and “highly unusual” if an inquest were not to proceed. He told the court that the family seeks an investigation to determine if the officer acted unreasonably in perceiving Mr Kaba as a threat requiring lethal force. Mr Ryder stated that the family wishes to understand "why did this police officer shoot our son?" and be involved in broader fact-finding.
Next steps
Senior coroner Dr Julian Morris is expected to make a decision on whether to resume a full inquest by the end of 2026 or early in 2027.
Questions this report answers
+Why are the Metropolitan Police resisting a full inquest into Chris Kaba's death?
The Metropolitan Police stated at a pre-inquest review that a full inquest is not in the public interest. They believe the circumstances of Chris Kaba's death have already been fully established through the Independent Office for Police Conduct investigation and a criminal trial.
+What happened to Chris Kaba?
Chris Kaba, 24, was shot by Sergeant Martyn Blake in Streatham in September 2022. He was attempting to drive past police vehicles in an Audi linked to previous firearms incidents when the shooting occurred.
+Has the officer involved faced any consequences?
Sergeant Martyn Blake was cleared of murder following a trial at the Old Bailey in October 2024. The Independent Office for Police Conduct also confirmed in August 2024 that no disciplinary action would be pursued against the officer.
+What happens next regarding the inquest?
The senior coroner, Dr Julian Morris, is expected to decide by the end of 2026 whether to resume a full inquest into Chris Kaba's death. The Kaba family is seeking further investigation into the circumstances of the shooting.
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