Police Officer Who Defied Shoot-to-Kill Orders Breaks Silence on His Transfer

Hiram Kimathi, a police constable who defied the shooting-to-kill orders issued by state officials, has spoken about his transfer from Kyubi Police Station in Machakos to Todonyang in Turkana County.

In a TV interview, Hiram said he was aware that the National Police Service (NPS) would transfer him after his video went viral.

Hiram said he was not offended by the transfer but mentioned that it shows there are cracks in the NPS.

“I expected it because I knew that they would transfer me regardless of the cost. But I didn’t take it badly. I think that if the National Police Service could transfer me to Tondonyang, that is in Turkana County, 180 kilometres from Lodwar, because of speaking out, it clearly shows there is a serious problem in the National Police Service,” he said.

Hiram said that Inspector General (IG) Douglas Kanja should have used his communication skills in community policing.

He explained that the relationship between the police and the public is not as good as it should be, and engaging with Kenyans would resolve many issues rather than resorting to lethal means.

“I thought the IG could have used me as a voice within the Service, and I could speak to many people. It is part of community policing. It exists,” he said.

Hiram stated his transfer indicates that his superiors do not believe in the National Police Service Act, the Constitution, or the Service’s standing orders.

He said he was trying to promote a positive image of the National Police Service.

Losing His Job

Additionally, Hiram mentioned that he is not concerned about being dismissed from the NPS.

“Nobody was born employed. We all gained employment along the way. So, if we lose our current jobs, nobody is going to die. We will go back to the communities we come from and begin again,” he said.

“I’ll sit somewhere, and maybe KTN will consider giving me a job. So, it’s not something I worry about.”

Also Read: Raila Blasts Ruto After His “Shoot to Maim” Order

Going to Tondonyang Police Station

Hiram clarified that he will not defy his transfer to Tondonyang, but questioned the timing and motives.

“I have not said I will refuse to go. But what I am saying is, if you are transferring me, it should not be out of malice. It should be a genuine transfer,” he said.

Also Read: Ruto Orders Police to Shoot Kenyans in the Leg

Hiram criticised the NPS transfer panel, claiming he was moved to Tondonyang because of his interactions with the public or for speaking out in a manner the Police did not expect.

“I was handpicked, Hiram Kimathi, Tondonyang Police Station. What does that mean? It means I can’t even trust that transfer because why me, in the whole nation, why are you transferring Hiram Kimathi alone?” he asked.

Hiram Kimathi Says the Transfer is a Punishment

He described his transfer as a punishment, asserting he deserves a good posting like Nairobi given his service in hardship areas.

However, he explained that the police officers at Tondonyang are not being punished; rather, he considers himself unsuitable for the area because he has completed his duties in forward regions.

“Transferring me to Tondonyang is merely a punishment. They are trying to punish me along the way. I have served in difficult areas. So now, I am not eligible for such postings because my work there is done. I should be based in towns, at least to support my small family,” he said.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.