Liverpool activist writes moving poem for George Nkencho

Liverpool activist Tommy Calderbank has penned a poignant poem in memory of George Nkencho, who was killed by an Garda Siochana in December 2020.

The Merseyside born and raised poet, philosopher, activist and a pivotal figure in multiple local restoration projects was deeply moved after hearing about Nkencho's killing.

On December 30th 2020, George Nkencho was shot dead by members of An Garda Siochana in front of his family. The 27-year-old died outside his home in Dublin after members of a Garda Armed Support Unit shot him several times. Nkencho was allegedly brandishing a knife, but was experiencing a mental health crisis.

Glorio and Viktor Nkencho, sister and brother or George, have since taken civil proceedings against the Attorney General, The Garda Commissioner and the Minister for Justice. As of this month, the investigation into the fatal shooting has concluded and a file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), whose office will determine if any gardaí should face criminal charges.

Ken McCue, Cultural Planner at Insaka-Ireland All Africa Youth Movement, has called for the dismantling of GSOC. Speaking to Hot Press, McCue referenced both the death of George Nkencho at the hands of the Garda Armed Response Unit as well as the racist murder of his team mate Toyosi Shittabey in 2010.

Both George and Toyosi were members of the Insaka Glentoran Football Academy based in Blanchardstown, Fingal.

"Both deaths through violent means left the community in the suburb numb and the impact was particularly felt within the youth of African Heritage in the area," Ken explained. "As we await the outcome of the Director of Public Prosecutions report there is serious concern at the fact that we are not aware of any recommendation issued from GSOC to the DPP.

"It is clear that the long delay in processing the case by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission has caused considerable trauma to the Nkencho family and his friends.
The handling of the case was very sloppy with confusion about the order to call in the Armed Response Unit who failed in their duty to 'talk down' George instead operated their 'shoot to kill' option by pumping six bullets at point blank into his torso, front and back."

"Arising out of the whole affair, I have called for the dismantling of GSOC where it's seen as the Garda investigating the Garda. The suspension and drug testing of any Garda who discharges a weapon and finally, depending on the outcome of the DPP report, a full International Public Inquiry into the killing of this young man."

Tommy Calderbank added more layers to the beautiful poem following the lack of independent investigation into George's killing and the delay in publishing GSOC reports. The project goes into the connection George had to his friends, teammates and family, tracing elements of his personality and determination.

'Beyond Injustice' (for George Nkencho) by Tommy Calderbank
Liverpool, June 2023

George was a Dance
Afrobeat Delight
Mo-Hits Records
Playing throughout the Night
Calm like a Breeze
On a Sun-kissed Day
Quiet like a Prayer
In a Pentecostal Way
Determined like a Striker
Aiming for the Goal
Like Eric B and Rakim
You know he had Soul
He loved Playing the Beautiful Game
An expression of Himself
Lit up His Inner Flame
Out of Nowhere He'd come
When needed most
The Opposition had
The Chance of a Ghost.

He was like a spare Dad
To Many of the Youth
In His Igbo Tongue
A Protector, A Titan
Huge Unit of a Man
A funny Winder-Upper
Did His best for His Fam
Life cut short Unjustly
Bullets from the Law
Loved Ones left grieving
Fabric torn
The Phoenix rises
And does not descend
His Life not defined
By its end
His Spirit goes on
You can hear it in the Roar
Of those who call for Justice
For George
Forevermore.