Third suspected FBI movement member nabbed by DCI
Hiram Kimathi's arrest follows the detention earlier this week of two other alleged members: ex-Kenya Defence Forces officer Patrick Nyambaka Osoi and Jackson Kuria Kihara, popularly known as Cop Shakur.
A former police officer linked to the controversial Fighting Brutality and Impunity (FBI) movement has been arrested in Meru, becoming the third suspected member of the group to be detained by authorities.
Hiram Kimathi was picked up by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) at around 1 pm on Thursday at his home in Kinoru village, Meru County.
The arrest came after hours of surveillance, with officers reportedly camping outside the residence from mid-morning.
Kimathi is said to have stepped out of his house voluntarily before being handcuffed and escorted into a police vehicle. He was then driven to an undisclosed location.
“Kimathi was apprehended in Kinoru village, Meru County, following an intelligence-led operation. He is currently undergoing processing pending his arraignment," read a statement from the DCI.
Authorities believe Kimathi is one of the central figures behind the formation of the FBI movement, which is suspected to include former members of the police and military.
His arrest follows the detention earlier this week of two other alleged members: ex-Kenya Defence Forces officer Patrick Nyambaka Osoi and Jackson Kuria Kihara, popularly known as Cop Shakur.
The two were charged under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2012. According to the DCI, they were found in possession of a firearm and a red beret with the FBI logo.
Kimathi has previously made headlines for openly criticising the police service and condemning the government’s shoot-to-kill directive.
His lawyer, Evans Mutegi, has raised alarm over his client’s location, claiming Kimathi was transferred from the initial police station and that the legal team has been denied access.
The FBI movement has gained attention in recent weeks for its outspoken opposition to police brutality and extrajudicial killings. However, law enforcement agencies see it as a potentially unlawful group and have launched investigations into its operations and membership.
The arrests mark an escalation in the government’s crackdown on the movement, which has sparked both public debate and legal questions about civil liberties, freedom of expression, and security.
