A police officer who recently went viral for criticising Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has broken his silence after being transferred to a remote station in Turkana County. Constable Hiram Kimathi says he will not be silenced for speaking the truth, even if it costs him his job.
The outspoken officer had publicly condemned Murkomen’s remarks encouraging police to shoot violent protesters involved in looting, insisting that such statements were dangerous and undermined the police’s professional conduct. Shortly after, Kimathi received a transfer to Tondonyang, a remote area located 180 kilometres from Lodwar.
“I will not be intimidated for speaking the truth,” Kimathi declared in an interview. “Sack me if you want. I expected this transfer, but it was done out of malice.”
Kimathi believes the reassignment was not routine but punitive, singling him out for challenging the status quo within the National Police Service (NPS). “Why me, in the whole nation?” he questioned. “This clearly shows there is a serious problem in the police service.”
The officer, who has served in several hardship areas, said he hoped to now be stationed closer to town to focus on raising his young family. “I have done my part in forward areas. My work there is done,” he said.
Kimathi stressed that Tondonyang itself is not a punishment post, but the motivation behind his transfer makes it feel punitive. “The people there are not being punished. But for me, it’s a punishment because I spoke out.”
Despite the pressure, Kimathi remains steadfast in his conviction. He believes the police should work closely with citizens through community policing, and that silencing officers who advocate for better relations only worsens public mistrust.
“Nobody was born employed,” Kimathi said defiantly. “If I lose this job, I will go back to society and start again.”
His bold stance has sparked a wider conversation about freedom of expression within the disciplined forces and the limits of internal accountability in Kenya’s police service.
