Founders of 'FBI movement' deny militia links, demand end to impunity

FBI movemement members led by founder Patrick Osoi during a media briefing to refute claims by the government that they are a militia trying to take power through illegal means. [Benard Orwongo, Standard]

The embattled leaders of the Fighting Brutality and Impunity (FBI) movement, a group formed by three former security officers recently arrested and charged with terrorism-related offenses, have dismissed claims that their movement is a militia outfit.

Led by Patrick Osoi, the trio stated that they are a peaceful citizens platform agitating for justice, accountability, and constitutionalism.

"We are not aligned with violence. We do not seek power by force. We seek justice. We seek accountability. We seek freedom. We seek inclusiveness. We seek a responsive government," Osoi said.

Osoi, Jackson Kuria alias Cop Shakur, and Hiram Kimathi, were in July arrested by the police, accusing them of forming a paramilitary-style group. They were later charged under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and released on bail.

Speaking in Nairobi, Osoi castigated the government for what he termed deliberate attempts to criminalise dissent and silence young Kenyans demanding reform.

He accused government of weaponising poverty and manipulating empowerment schemes to lure the public.

"Let us not play games by empowerment schemes that are meant to lure Kenyans. They know their time has come, and the time to leave. Enough is enough of impunity. We must reclaim our nation from 1963 to date," said Osoi.

The group issued a raft of demands, ranging from economic reforms to police accountability. Among their key calls was the abolition of punitive taxation, recovery of stolen public assets, and the prosecution of individuals implicated in corruption without political protection.

Osoi further demanded an independent investigation by Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) into the violence witnessed during last year's anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.

"We are yet to see accountability for those who gave unlawful orders during peaceful protests," said Osoi.

The group also stated that the Terrorism Act of 2015, under which they are facing charges, had been stretched far beyond its original intent of countering Al-Shabaab, and was now being used to persecute peaceful activists.

"We demand revision of the Terrorism Act to clearly define terrorism and protect activists who only need a better living and a better Kenya," Osoi said.

They also spotlighted the issue of unpaid government bills, which they described as economic brutality against suppliers and small businesses.

"Suppliers delivered, you defaulted to pay them. Who are the criminals? The criminals are you sitting in the offices, sabotaging the country in this manner," Osoi said.