Third FBI Movement Member Nabbed in Meru as Crackdown Widens
Kenyan authorities have arrested a third individual linked to the emerging “Fighting Brutality and Impunity” (FBI) movement, as part of a broader crackdown on suspected subversive groups.
According to a statement released by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Friday, August 1, the suspect, identified as Hiram Kimathi, was apprehended in Kinoru village, Meru County.
DCI reports indicate that Kimathi’s arrest followed an intelligence-led operation, with authorities citing his alleged involvement in unspecified criminal activities. He is currently being processed and is expected to be arraigned in court soon.
Collage Photo of Patrick Osoi and Cop Shakur – Both arrested earlier in coordinated operations
This latest arrest comes just 24 hours after two other members of the group were captured in separate operations in Nairobi.
Patrick Nyambaka Osoi, one of the founding members of the movement, was arrested along Lang’ata Road on Thursday, July 31. He was arraigned at the Kahawa Law Courts and charged under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (2012), including possession of a firearm.
Meanwhile, Jackson Kuria Kihara, also known by the alias “Cop Shakur”, was arrested in Kahawa West wearing a red beret marked with the “FBI” insignia an item authorities say could be associated with the group’s operations. He was also scheduled for court appearance on the same day.
Government Tightens Grip on Ex-Security Officers
The trio’s arrests coincide with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s announcement of stricter surveillance on former police and military officers.
Speaking on July 31, Murkomen emphasized that ex-officers with specialized training could pose a danger if left unsupervised.
“All police and military officers who are out of service have a greater responsibility than civilians,” Murkomen stated. “We will place them under strict surveillance because they have been highly trained in the use of arms. Once they begin to threaten the public or the state, we consider that subversive.”
