Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has threatened to surveil all retired and former members of Kenya’s disciplined forces, including the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the National Intelligence Service (NIS), and the National Police Service involved in irregular activities.
Speaking during the 23rd edition of the Jukwaa la Usalama tour in Laikipia County on Thursday, Murkomen addressed concerns following a viral post showing former KDF officer and US Army veteran Patrick Osoi dressed in paramilitary gear while calling for action against police brutality and bad governance.
Murkomen condemned the act, stating that such conduct by former security personnel will not be tolerated, given their advanced training and potential to disrupt if misused.
"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.
He emphasised that any former officers engaging in such political activities while misusing their training would be treated as engaging in subversive behaviour against the state.
“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,” he added.
Murkomen expressed concern that current freedoms, especially freedom of expression, were being exploited by rogue individuals, warning that such misuse posed a serious threat to national stability.
“Officers, whether in service or retired, must understand that this country will not accommodate such tendencies. We are seeing the opposition, LSK, and other civil society groups defending these acts, but the law must take its course,” he said.
He further urged the Judiciary and prosecution agencies to charge Osoi and his associate, Shakur, under the most severe provisions of the Penal Code to serve as an example to others.
The Interior CS maintained that while the government respects rights and freedoms, it would not allow individuals with military or police backgrounds to abuse their past roles for political or militant agendas.
The developments come after a team of detectives on Tuesday raided the residence of Osoi, arresting him over alleged plans to mobilise ex-security personnel into an anti-government political movement.
Osoi, who gained attention after launching the Fighting Brutality and Impunity (FBI) group on Tuesday, was taken into custody by heavily armed officers in an operation his communications team described as an “abduction.”
The former Special Forces soldier had earlier posted a statement explaining the purpose of the movement, saying it aimed to defend victims of extrajudicial killings and support officers sidelined for standing against illegal orders.
