Hiram Kimathi: Police Officer Fired for Defying 'Shoot-to-Kill' Order as Another Considers Resigning
- Two officers, including police constable Hiram Kimathi, have faced career backlash after taking an unexpected stance during recent national unrest
- Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, they both explained their dismissal and the disciplinary actions the service took against them
- An officer, contemplating resigning, recounted his service to the force and his relationship with the youth in insecure areas
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Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
A police officer has claimed he was dismissed from the service for opposing government directives following the Saba Saba protests, while another is contemplating resignation over similar concerns.
Source: Facebook
Hiram Kimathi, a vocal officer who condemned the government’s 'shoot-to-kill' orders issued in the wake of the chaotic protests, told TUKO.co.ke that he did not receive his July salary.
Did the government sack Hiram Kimathi?
He revealed that he has been marked as 'deserted' in the duty roster—an administrative move that often precedes formal dismissal.
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“They have cut off my salary and placed me on disertion. I’m now just waiting for the official dismissal letter. But I’m okay with it. I know God will help us reach where we need to as a country,” Kimathi said.
His troubles began after he declined a transfer to Todonyang in Turkana county, which he believes was a punitive response to his outspoken views.
Which police officer wants to resign?
Meanwhile, another officer, Dennis Munyao—widely known as Afande Denno and popular among the Gen Z—has announced plans to resign.
Munyao, who has been in the National Police Service (NPS) for seven years, made headlines during the June 25 protests for protecting Gen Z demonstrators and urging restraint on both sides.
His conduct, however, appeared to have triggered disciplinary scrutiny.
“I want to leave the force. They claimed I was breaching national peace. I'm working out my exit plan. I cannot start assaulting Kenyans now when all my life they have been my friends," he told TUKO.co.ke.
We don’t have to use bullets or handcuffs to change our communities and if we avoid the people, how will we understand their security challenges?” he posed, adding that he was issued a letter informing him that a committee had been formed to deliberate on his removal from the service.
Source: Facebook
Is Dennis Munyao frustrated with police force?
Munyao, 31, who has worked extensively with youth in informal settlements like Mukuru Kwa Njenga to reform criminal behaviour, expressed frustration that his efforts have gone unrecognised.
“If they can’t see the good I’ve done, it means I’m not wanted in the force. Policing is about service, not just sitting in offices. Officers must build trust with the public to truly understand the security issues they face,” he said.
He called on rogue officers to reflect on their conduct, urging them to treat civilians with empathy and dignity.
“These are people’s sons, daughters, and relatives. Why harm or kill suspects who are cooperating during arrests? Policing should never be about brutality. Put yourselves in your clients' shoes before taking a brutal action,” he said.
Munyao also urged jobless youth to utilise social platforms by creating content to make earnings.
“Jobs may be scarce, but get creative. Start small, buy a phone on Lipa Mdogo Mdogo, and push yourself—don’t battle the police every time," he advised.
The youthful officer has gained influence on social media courtesy of the social and community policing programmes he runs in the slum areas of Nairobi.
He fell out with the state he serves in June when he was accused of inciting the public to join protests against police brutality.
Former security agents form FBI movement
Meanwhile, former elite forces led by a 2027 presidential aspirant and ex-NIS spy, Patrick Osoi, have launched a movement, Fighting Brutality and Impunity (FBI), to combat police brutality and impunity.
Officer Hiram, a co-founder of the initiative, revealed that the group will investigate extrajudicial killings and injustices committed under both the current and previous regimes.
He added that the movement has attracted several professionals united by a common goal: to seek justice for Kenyans and defend sidelined officers allegedly exploited by the political class to fuel chaos and plunder the nation.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
