- Hiram Kimathi transferred to Tondonyang, Turkana County, after his viral outburst
- The officer claims the move was meant to silence him for speaking the truth
- Says he had already served in remote hardship areas and deserved a fairer posting
- Kimathi believes his voice could have helped fix police-public relations
- Vows not to remain silent and is not afraid of being sacked
- Civil society groups raise concerns over internal suppression in police ranks
Police Constable Hiram Kimathi has broken his silence after being sent to Tondonyang in Turkana, calling the transfer a punishment for speaking up. He said he was not shocked by the move, but believed his bosses had a chance to do things differently.
“I expected the transfer. But why me alone? Why now?” he posed.
Kimathi, who has worked in tough regions under difficult conditions, said the police should have moved him to a better location, not deeper into the hardship zones.
“I have done my part in the forward areas. It’s time to be closer to town, to my family,” he added.
Tondonyang, located 180 kilometres from Lodwar, is known for being a remote border post near Lake Turkana.
Kimathi clarified he would not defy the transfer, but he questioned the intention behind it.
“If you’re moving me for normal reasons, I’ll go. But if it’s just to punish me, that’s wrong,” he said.
He also made it clear that those already working in Tondonyang were not being punished, but in his case, the posting felt personal.
Despite the pressure, Kimathi remains calm and confident. He said he is not afraid of losing his job, and if he’s sacked, he’ll start afresh.
“Nobody was born with a job. I’ll go back to the community and begin again,” he told reporters.
He even joked that maybe a media house like KTN might consider hiring him, drawing laughs from some online users.
Kimathi said instead of isolating him, the police leadership should have used his voice to improve trust between officers and the public.
“The gap between citizens and police is wide. I could’ve helped build a better relationship,” he said.
He believes the Inspector General missed a golden chance to practice community policing in action, not just on paper.
Kimathi’s brave stance is now a trending topic, with civil rights groups warning about whistleblower intimidation within the police. Some Kenyans have praised him for his honesty, while others worry he may face further backlash.
Whether his story sparks reform or more silence within the National Police Service remains to be seen.
