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)

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.