Suddenly, you’ve become part of the national conversation; how is the feeling?
I feel strong, though I must say it’s been quite a journey. I didn’t plan for any of this. I just felt I had something to say and needed to speak to Kenyans.
Where did the idea of talking to Kenyans on TikTok come from? Most police officers wait for orders from their superiors to speak, yet here you are.
In our profession, communication is a key part of our role. But it’s often one-way, orders are issued from the top, and we’re expected to follow without question. The day we lost Albert Ojwang, tension in the country was palpable.
I couldn’t get space in the mainstream media, so I picked up my phone and started recording on TikTok. It wasn’t planned. It came from the heart. I wanted to tell Kenyans that not all police officers support brutality. Some of us are on their side. Some of us are human too.
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Did you expect the video to go viral?
Not at all. I was surprised. One minute it had a few views, the next, I was getting calls, comments, and even messages from strangers. I think it resonated because it was honest. I wasn’t hiding behind a title; I was speaking as Hiram Kimathi, a father, a brother, a Kenyan.
In your view, has the relationship between the police and the public broken down?
Yes, it has. Unfortunately. When you see a crowd burn a police station, it shows there’s deep anger. People no longer trust us. But it’s also important to say not all police officers are bad. We’re your brothers and sisters. I believe in dialogue. That’s why I speak. We need to rebuild trust. That starts by showing empathy and humility not force.
Speaking out, however, has had consequences. You’ve been transferred from Machakos to Todonyang in Turkana. What do you say about this action?
I expected it. In our service, once you speak out, you’re often punished. The National Police Service rarely embraces internal criticism.
So yes, the transfer came just as I anticipated. But I don’t take it bitterly. I take it as a confirmation that there is indeed a problem in our system. Instead of using my voice for positive change, they silenced me by sending me away.
So, are you refusing to go?
I want to be clear, I haven’t said I won’t go. What I’m questioning is the intention behind the transfer. If they had transferred 100 officers, and I was among them, I’d go without a word. But when you transfer only me, immediately after I post a video condemning police brutality, it stops being a routine transfer and becomes punitive. That’s what I’m questioning.
Why do you believe it’s punishment?
Because I’ve served in what we call forward areas - hardship regions. I’ve done my time. Normally, after such deployment, an officer is posted closer to town to raise a family. But now I’m being sent 180 kilometers from Lodwar, to a remote place with no explanation. This isn’t about deployment, it’s about silencing.
Aren’t you afraid this interview could cost you your job?
My brother, nobody was born employed. If I lose this job, I’ll go back to my community and start again. Or who knows maybe I’ll land a role with KTN; life goes on. I’m not afraid. I’m standing for something I believe in.
Let’s talk about the recent order by President William Ruto. He said police should shoot to disable looters during protests. What are your thoughts?
I think the Head of State should be extremely cautious with his words. He speaks not just as a person, but as a symbol of unity. Even if he meant well, such a statement can be misused. Shooting any part of the body can still lead to death especially with poor access to emergency care. Police officers should not shoot at all unless it’s a matter of life and death. We have tools for crowd control: tear gas, water cannons, and batons. That should be enough.
Do you think the police are using excessive force?
Yes. Let’s be honest. Some of us apply more force than necessary. And that goes against our training. We’re trained to assess the threat and respond proportionately. Demonstrations don’t need bullets. They need de-escalation. But the culture within the Service often rewards aggression, not dialogue. That needs to change.
Do you feel your life is in danger of speaking out?
My life is in God’s hands. If someone wants to harm me just because I’m promoting peace and dialogue, that’s not just a threat to me it’s a threat to the entire society. I’m not a terrorist. I don’t incite. I only speak to promote understanding.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recently claimed that there are “killer squads” in the police. Do you believe they exist?
I’ve served for several years. I’ve never encountered anything called a killer squad. I’ve seen specialized units like the SOG, RDU, RIC units trained to tackle serious threats. But if there are extra-legal squads, then the government needs to come clean. Let’s be transparent. Kenyans have a right to know who is behind any abductions or killings.
Do you think the National Police Service should have allowed you to keep speaking out, maybe even empowered your outreach?
Absolutely. Instead of isolating me, they could have made me part of community policing. I speak the language of the people. I understand their frustrations. And when a police officer says, ‘I hear you’, it softens even the angriest crowd. Isn’t that what we want? peaceful engagement?
What’s next for Constable Hiram Kimathi?
I live by faith. I don’t plan too far ahead. I take each day as it comes. For now, I’m still a police officer. About tomorrow? God knows. But one thing I won’t stop doing is speaking out for justice, peace, and truth.
Any final words to Kenyans and fellow officers?
To my fellow officers, please let’s not shoot. Let’s talk. Dialogue saves lives. And to Kenyans; not every officer is your enemy. Some of us believe in a better Kenya, just like you.