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)

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.