Kenya Insights

Tag: Hiram Kimathi

  • Police Officer Hiram Kimathi Arrested Over Links to ‘FBI’ Movement

    Police Officer Hiram Kimathi Arrested Over Links to ‘FBI’ Movement

    Meru, Kenya – August 1, 2025 – Police Constable Hiram Kimathi was arrested at his Kinoru home Friday morning in a Directorate of Criminal Investigations operation targeting the “Fighting Brutality and Impunity” (FBI) movement.

    The arrest follows detentions of his associates, former Kenya Defence Forces officer Patrick Osoi and ex-prison warden Jackson Kuria Kihara, amid government concerns over the group’s anti-police brutality activities.

    Kimathi gained national prominence in July after refusing a transfer to remote Todonyang Police Station in Turkana County, calling it punishment for criticizing Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s “shoot-to-kill” directive against violent protesters.

    Previously stationed at Kyumbi Police Station near Machakos Junction, Kimathi questioned the targeting in a viral TikTok video: “Why me, in the whole nation? Why are you transferring Hiram Kimathi alone?”

    The constable subsequently joined forces with Osoi, a 2027 presidential aspirant and former National Intelligence Service officer, and Cop Shakur, a suspended prison warden, to establish the FBI movement.

    The group aims to unite current and former security officers to investigate extrajudicial killings, expose systemic abuses, and support whistleblowers within security forces.

    Kimathi emphasized the organization’s non-political nature, describing it as a platform to “fight all forms of impunity.”

    DCI confirmed the 1 p.m. arrest as part of an intelligence-led operation against what authorities consider a national security threat.

    Kimathi will be arraigned Monday, August 4, alongside Osoi and Cop Shakur.

    FBI movement members pose for a photo in military fatigues. (Photo: DCI)
    FBI movement members pose for a photo in military fatigues. (Photo: DCI)

    While specific charges remain undisclosed, the DCI suggests accusations may include preparing to commit a felony and engaging in activities prejudicial to public order.

    Chief Inspector Josephine Korir alleged that Osoi was planning to “wage war” against uniformed officers, claims the FBI founders deny.

    Authorities cite the group’s significant social media support as evidence of its potential to mobilize “potentially hostile actors.”

    Kimathi’s legal team criticized the lack of transparency, arguing charges appear fabricated to punish his activism.

    “The authorities have failed to indicate the reasons for his detention,” one lawyer stated.

    The arrest has divided public opinion.

    Youth and Gen Z activists support Kimathi as a hero standing against repressive orders, with hashtags like #FreeHiramKimathi trending on social media. Many view the arrests as government suppression of growing anti-impunity sentiment.

    Cabinet Secretary Murkomen defended the transfer and arrests as lawful disciplinary actions within the National Police Service.

    However, Kimathi maintains his employer is the Kenyan public, not the Interior Ministry, and refuses to back down despite job security risks.

    The arrests occur amid heightened tensions over police accountability following chaotic anti-Finance Bill protests in June and Saba Saba demonstrations in July 2025.

    Human rights organizations have raised alarms over alleged extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority investigating multiple police brutality cases.

    Kimathi has spoken about systemic issues within the National Police Service, including lack of internal accountability and pressure on officers to follow unconstitutional orders blindly.

    “Not all police officers are bad. Some of us believe in a better Kenya, just like you,” he told The Standard, advocating dialogue over violence.

    As the trio awaits court proceedings, the case will likely intensify debates about freedom of expression, whistleblower protections, and state treatment of dissenting security force voices.

    Civil society groups demand transparency in legal proceedings and protection for officers speaking against injustice.

    Kimathi remains defiant about potential job loss: “Nobody was born employed. If I lose this job, I will go back to society and start again.” His resolve, combined with the FBI movement’s growing support, suggests the controversy will continue.

    The case serves as a critical test of government commitment to reform and accountability amid mounting public pressure for police service transformation.

  • Two ‘FBI’ Activists Arrested on Terror Charges

    Two ‘FBI’ Activists Arrested on Terror Charges

    Police have detained two members of the Fighting Brutality and Impunity (FBI) movement on terrorism-related charges, with one already appearing in court and another set for arraignment Thursday.

    Patrick Nyambaka Osoi, described as a founding member of the activist group, was arrested during what authorities called a “well-coordinated operation” along Lang’ata Road.

    Osoi, a former KDF officer, was arrested on July 29 after the movement went viral. He and two other ex-police officers were seen in jungle combat gear in widely circulated online videos.

    He appeared at Kahawa Law Courts before Magistrate Richard Kipkemoi on Wednesday to face charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2012, as well as illegal firearm possession where detectives sought 14 more days to conclude investigations.

    Chief Inspector Josephine Korir attached to Directorate of Criminal Investigations who is Investigating the case told the court linked Osoi being in possession of firearm against the law, possession of ammunition without certificate and preparation to commit a felony.

    However, this did not happen after the defence side led by Duncan Okatch opposed some issues raised by the DCI in relation to the case.

    Osoi’s legal team said it was unfair for the DCI to claim that one of the reasons for holding him for more time was because of his following in social media.

    At the same time, the defence side said claims that Osoi had sophisticated weapons were unfounded and that he cooperated since the time he heard he was being sought after.

    In an affidavit, the detective stated that on July 28, 2025, they received information that Osoi was planning to wage a war against uniformed police officers.

    “Patrick Osoi was arrested of July 29 on suspicion of engaging in activities prejudicial to the public order, national security, and peace maintenance before, during, and after June 25, 2025, nationwide protests and July 7, 2025 protests,” the officer stated.

    The investigating officer stated that Osio, through his X account, has declared forming Fighting Brutality Initiative and was recruiting former and serving police officers so as to fight illegal orders.

    This, she noted, was raising serious national security implications, adding that a social media post about the said FBI had attracted a lot of comments and likes, particularly on X.

    “This demonstrates massive public reach and influence, making it a highly likely that the respondents’ message has already mobilised or is capable of mobilising a large number of people, including police officers, civilians and potentially hostile actors to join or support illegal activities,” the DCI officer added

    She told the court that this viral spread increases the risk of rapid escalation of unrest, public disorder, and coordination of violent acts while investigations are ongoing.

    It is believed that Osoi is an ex-service man in the disciplined forces, the DCI stated, and that he has shown to the public on social media that he is on the training field at an undisclosed location in full specail forces gear while holding a firearm.

    Inspector Korir told the court that Osio is believed to be in possession of sophisticated, specail weapons, thus posing threats to country’s security adding respondents and his counterparts who are being sought are well trained and skilled in handling firearms and can mobilise and influence the public into war.

    For this reason, she sought more time to hold Osoi without bail on bond as to record statements from him so as not to interfere with the process.

    The officer stated that she needed time to establish whether the Osoi and his counterparts were still in service or not, adding that their residences were unknown.

    Osoi remains in custody at Muthaiga Police Station while awaiting a court decision on custodial orders scheduled for Thursday.

    In a separate but related arrest, Jackson Kuria Kihara, who goes by the alias “Cop Shakur,” was taken into custody in Kahawa West.

    Police report finding him in possession of a red beret displaying the FBI symbol at the time of his arrest.

    Kihara is scheduled to appear before Kahawa Law Courts on Thursday to face similar charges.

    The other accomplice in the case is former Kenya Police Officer Hiram Kimathi

    The Fighting Brutality and Impunity movement has been active in advocating against police misconduct and extrajudicial killings in Kenya.

    FBI movement members pose for a photo in military fatigues. (Photo: DCI)
    FBI movement members pose for a photo in military fatigues. (Photo: DCI)

    The arrests signal an escalation in authorities’ scrutiny of the group, though the specific allegations that led to the terrorism charges have not been detailed in the police statement.

    The use of anti-terrorism legislation against activist group members is likely to draw attention from human rights organizations and civil society groups monitoring government responses to dissent.

    Both suspects await further court proceedings as the investigation continues.

  • Rebellious Cop Hiram Kimathi Claims Plot to Abduct Him and Taken to Unknown Place

    Rebellious Cop Hiram Kimathi Claims Plot to Abduct Him and Taken to Unknown Place

    Police Constable fears abduction rather than lawful arrest following controversial TV appearance

    Police Constable Hiram Kimathi, who has become a vocal critic of police conduct and advocate for reforms, claims his life is now in danger following his appearance on a local television on Friday evening.

    The outspoken officer, who has gained national attention for his public stance on police brutality and human rights violations, told the media that he has intelligence suggesting authorities are planning to “pounce on him” today.

    “I’m not comfortable disclosing more but I have my own intel, they are planning to pounce on me today, my fear is not being arrested lawfully but being abducted to unknown places,” Kimathi said in a phone interview, his voice tense with concern.

    Kimathi’s fears come on the heels of his controversial transfer from Kyumbi Police Station near Machakos Junction to Todonyang Police Station on the Kenya-Ethiopia border – a move he describes as punitive action for speaking out against the system.

    The transfer order, which Kimathi posted on social media, simply stated: “You will proceed from Kyumbi Police Station to Todonyang Police Station and upon arrival, report to the officer commanding station for further instructions.”

    But Kimathi sees the transfer as more than routine police deployment.

    “This is not a transfer. It is a warning shot to every officer with a conscience. Speak out against the state, and you’ll be buried in isolation,” he wrote on his social media platforms.

    During the conversation, Kimathi expressed concerns about electronic surveillance, urging this reporter to switch to more secure communication platforms.

    “I know they are listening to my calls, we better switch to a different platform, I know for sure they are,” he stated.

    The constable’s paranoia may not be unfounded, given his recent high-profile criticism of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s controversial directive to security forces to shoot violent protesters – a stance that went viral on TikTok.

    Despite the apparent pressure, Kimathi remains defiant.

    “Sack me if you want. I will not be intimidated for speaking the truth. I will not shoot Kenyans.” he declared during his TV interview.

    The officer questioned the selective nature of his transfer, asking: “It was not genuine. It was out of malice. Why me, in the whole nation? Why are you transferring Hiram Kimathi alone?”

    Kimathi has positioned himself as a reformist voice within the police service, advocating for community policing and improved relations between law enforcement and citizens.

    His public statements have resonated with many Kenyans who have long complained about police brutality and extrajudicial killings.

    “I had hoped to serve as a voice within the police to advance community policing and repair relations with citizens,” he explained during his television appearance.

    The constable maintains he is prepared for whatever consequences may come from his activism.

    “Nobody was born employed. If I lose this job, I will go back to society and start again,” he said, showing remarkable resolve in the face of potential career suicide.

    While acknowledging that Todonyang itself is not necessarily a punishment posting, Kimathi argues that in his specific case, the transfer is clearly retaliatory.

    “The people there are not being punished. But for me, it’s a punishment because I spoke out.”