Why former Kenyan security officers are turning to activism and challenging the state

Reports emerged on Tuesday morning that detectives had arrested a Mombasa-based TikToker in connection with what authorities described as a seditious video widely circulated on TikTok on August 1, 2025. The arrest signals the State’s response to a growing trend of former disciplined forces joining activist movements.

The suspect, Shedrack Omondi Okindo, also known as Hon. Mosquito, was apprehended in the Miritini area of Mombasa County. Police said his arrest followed the release of a video in which he defended three ex-security officers who are currently in custody.

Unprecedented acts of rebellion by former members of the disciplined forces have recently come to light amid sustained protests against President William Ruto’s administration.

The TikToker had thrown his support behind Hiram Kimathi, Jackson Kuria Kimani (alias Cop Shakur), and former Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer Patrick Osoi—all of whom are now facing charges.

State's allegations

Authorities allege that the three former officers are involved in planning acts of terrorism and destabilising the country through organised crime.

Their arrests have sparked debate about the evolving role of former security officers in political discourse, activism, and social movements.

Another high-profile case involves Mugithi singer and police officer Samuel Muchoki, known as Samidoh, who is facing allegations of deserting duty.

A criminologist who spoke on condition of anonymity explained that some officers feel conflicted while in service and are unable to publicly speak out. This changes once they leave, often driven by dissatisfaction with what they witnessed while serving.

"Brutality meted against civilians and legal orders have driven many out of the service, where activism offers them a perfect avenue to vent," the criminologist said.

Freedom of speech

A senior security expert noted that while the constitution grants Kenyans freedom of speech, that same freedom can be exploited by individuals dismissed from the service.

"That is why a section of police officers who have been dishonourably discharged from the service, who find it very hard to secure employment in other sectors, remain agents for hire by political operatives and human rights activists due to idleness and uncertainty. Nevertheless, the constitution and laws governing freedom of speech are nowadays vibrant," the official opined.

Hussein Khalid, Executive Director of Vocal Africa, told The Eastleigh Voice that all Kenyans—including ex-officers—have the right to engage in civic matters.

“So what we’re seeing the state doing with cracking down on former disciplined forces officers is a violation of their rights and must cease immediately,” said Hussein.

Other Topics To Read

• National
• National Intelligence Service
• NIS
• Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen
• Samidoh
• singer-cop Samidoh
• Hiram Kimathi
• Shedrack Omondi Okindo alias Hon. Mosquito
• Jackson Kuria Kimani alias Cop Shakur
• Kenya activism
• former Kenyan security officers
• Why former Kenyan security officers are turning to activism and challenging the state
• Headlines

“The constitution in article 24 (5) only limits those actively involved in the disciplined forces from directly participating in civic action like protest, etc. However, for those who have retired or resigned, they are free to participate in all civic actions.”

Potential threat

The state, however, views these former officers as a potential threat and is taking no chances.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen last week announced plans to closely monitor all retired and former members of Kenya’s disciplined services—including the KDF, National Intelligence Service (NIS), and National Police Service—suspected of engaging in irregular activities.

Speaking during the 23rd Jukwaa la Usalama tour in Laikipia County, Murkomen addressed public concern following a viral post in which Patrick Osoi, a former KDF officer and US Army veteran, appeared in paramilitary attire while calling for resistance against police brutality and poor governance.

Murkomen strongly condemned the incident, arguing that the advanced training of former officers could pose a risk if channelled into subversive activity.

“All police, military, and intelligence personnel who are out of service should know that we will not entertain such actions and will place them under strict surveillance,” Murkomen declared.

“I am glad that the DCI has already acted. We are aware that they are trying to establish a military wing to support their political objectives, and we will not permit that.”

Murkomen warned that freedoms such as free expression were being misused by rogue actors and that such behaviour threatened national stability.

Government decisions

Diplomacy expert, Prof Macharia Munene, suggested that unrest within the disciplined forces may be linked to recent government decisions.

“The removal of lunches for soldiers and the reported delays in sending pensions to retired soldiers are part of the reasons for unhappiness. Soldiers also suffer from bad economic conditions,” claimed Prof Macharia.

On Friday last week, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested police officer Hiram Kimathi at his home in the Kambakia area of Makutano, Meru County.

Kimathi, who was already interdicted, had earlier resisted a transfer to Turkana. This led to a public standoff and his eventual alliance with Cop Shakur and Osoi to form a group opposing police brutality, dubbed Fighting Brutality and Impunity (FBI).

According to a notice of motion filed by the DCI during Kimathi’s arraignment, Osoi is accused of forming the FBI group together with Cop Shakur and Kimathi, and attempting to recruit current and former officers to resist ‘illegal orders.’

Osoi now faces charges including preparing to commit a felony, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and offences related to terrorism recruitment and facilitation.

Suspended

Cop Shakur, who joined the anti-Finance Bill protests on June 24, 2024, was suspended soon after. He now faces accusations of inciting fear and targeting government officials through social media posts. He is currently out on a Sh50,000 cash bail.

In his online posts, he has also declared his intention to run for president in the 2027 elections under the FBI movement. In addition to his KDF service, Osoi claims to be a former NIS officer and a veteran of the US Army.

In Samidoh’s case, what reportedly triggered disciplinary action was a viral video in which he led a nightclub crowd in chanting the slogan “Wantam” (one term)—a phrase coined by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and widely viewed as a jab at President Ruto’s re-election prospects.

In the video, captured around May 16 at an undisclosed club in Thika, Samidoh animatedly strummed his guitar, spun on stage, and led revellers in chanting “Wantam” with a wry smile.

After the video spread online, the National Police Service, his employer, took swift action. Samidoh, who served at the Central Region police headquarters in Nairobi, was transferred to the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) in Gilgil.

The transfer was seen as punishment for what authorities considered a breach of regulations requiring officers to remain politically neutral.