Hiram Kimanthi: Police Officer Who Defied "Shoot-to-Kill" Orders Resigns After Punitive Transfer

 As Kenya grapples with the violent aftermath of the Saba Saba protests held on 7 July 2025, one name has emerged as a powerful symbol of courage and conscience: Hiram Kimanthi.

This police officer publicly denounced "shoot-to-kill" orders that tragically contributed to the deaths of over 30 people.

His bold stance, revealed in an exclusive interview with The Standard on 10 July 2025, has ignited a national debate on police accountability, coming just days after the tragic killing of activist Boniface Kariuki.

As of Friday morning, Kenyans continue to flood social media with reactions to Kimanthi’s dramatic resignation, which came shortly after he was issued a controversial transfer to Todonyang Police Station in Turkana—a move many view as punitive and an attempt to silence him.

The 34-year-old officer, who served eight years in the Kenya Police Service, revealed that senior commanders had issued explicit instructions to use lethal force during the protests, which marked the 35th anniversary of Kenya’s pro-democracy movement.

“I was ordered to shoot to kill—no questions asked,” he told the paper, visibly shaken as he recounted witnessing a young protester die in Nairobi’s CBD.

Kimanthi’s decision was further cemented when, on 9 June 2025, he was handed a transfer letter moving him from Kyubi Police Station in Machakos to Todonyang, a remote and isolated post.

According to reports online, he was explicitly instructed to report to the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) upon arrival—signalling what many interpreted as a clear attempt to silence or punish him for his conscience. Instead, Kimanthi chose the path of integrity, opting to hand in his badge.

“I’d rather lose my job than my humanity,” he powerfully stated—words that have since gone viral across social media platforms, resonating deeply with a public weary of police brutality.

His brave decision has won widespread admiration across social media. On X (formerly Twitter), users such as @JusticeSeekerKE praised him as a hero, while @NairobiYouthVoice condemned the transfer as an blatant attempt to silence a whistleblower.

Others, like @HumanRightsKE, publicly thanked Kimanthi for his courage, reiterating calls for an immediate end to police brutality.

Celebrities have also thrown their significant weight behind him. Musician Nameless posted on Instagram: “Hiram Kimanthi’s bravery gives us hope. His resignation is a slap to injustice.”

Hollywood actress Lupita Nyong’o shared a story honouring Kimanthi, while comedian Eric Omondi tweeted his unequivocal support, urging Kenyans to march for systemic change.

Not everyone, however, agrees with Kimanthi’s actions. Voices such as @PoliceUnionKE defended the transfer as routine, claiming his resignation sets a dangerous precedent for discipline within the force.

Others accused him of sensationalising the issue without offering concrete proof, urging caution against rushing to judgment.

Kimanthi's track record, however, lends significant weight to his courageous decision. A 2017 graduate of the Kenya Police College, he previously served in high-risk areas such as Mathare, where he earned notable recognition for his commitment to community engagement and effective conflict resolution.

Internationally, human rights groups have also taken swift notice of the unfolding situation.

The UN Human Rights Office called for a thorough and independent investigation into the Saba Saba killings, thereby indirectly backing Kimanthi’s serious claims.

Esteemed organisations such as @GlobalHumanRights hailed his resignation as a powerful rallying cry for much-needed global police reform.

"Kimanthi’s stand could save lives,” wrote @HopefulKenyan, reflecting a widespread sentiment of hope. “He quit with honour,” added @GenZKibera, underscoring the respect he has garnered among the youth.