Human Rights Group Warns of Dangerous Emerging Militia, Urges President Ruto to Take Immediate Action

 

The Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (CHRD), based in Eldoret, has issued a stern warning over the emergence of a potentially dangerous and politically-backed militia network in Kenya, allegedly operating under the banner of the so-called FBI movement. The group, according to the CHRD, poses a serious threat to national stability and must be addressed urgently and decisively by the Head of State.

In a comprehensive statement released on Friday, CHRD commended the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), under the leadership of Mr. Mohamed Amin, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kipchumba Murkomen , and the Inspector General of Police for their swift and commendable action in apprehending several suspected members of the group.

“While the arrests mark a critical step in safeguarding national security, we believe that what the country is witnessing is not an isolated criminal gang, but the early signs of a sophisticated, politically-fueled militia network,” said Kipkorir Ngetich, a respected human rights defender in Eldoret.

Ngetich urged His Excellency President William Ruto to exercise his constitutional mandate and take leadership in confronting what he described as “a dangerous new threat” to Kenya’s democratic institutions, peace, and public safety.

“This is a matter that demands the President’s personal and unwavering attention. The nature, language, and actions of this emerging group bear alarming similarities to early stages of terrorist organizations like ISIS, Al-Shabaab, and Boko Haram—groups that also began as movements for justice and equality before turning violent,” he warned.

According to CHRD intelligence and reports from communities, the so-called FBI movement is allegedly made up of individuals with military or police training, some of whom previously served in various units of Kenya’s disciplined services. Their knowledge of weapons, intelligence tactics, and command structures gives them the capacity to execute large-scale acts of violence, sabotage, or even an attempted coup.

“We are not simply dealing with social media radicals. These are highly skilled, resourceful individuals—some of whom may have gone underground, waiting for the right moment to activate dormant cells across the country,” said Ngetich.

The group’s political affiliations have also raised alarm. CHRD claims that a number of individuals associated with the former Deputy President, Hon. Rigathi Gachagua, and his close allies, have made public statements marked by extreme hostility, tribal rhetoric, and open defiance of the government. The organization accuses Gachagua of harboring a personal vendetta against President Ruto and seeking to destabilize the country through covert networks.

“His recent language—abusive, provocative, and laced with impunity—is not just political banter. It’s strategic and calculated. His inner circle, including former provincial administrators and certain legal minds, must be placed under immediate surveillance,” Ngetich stated.

The Centre further urged the National Intelligence Service (NIS), DCI, and other security agencies to expand their investigative scope to specific regions including the entire Mt. Kenya region, Nakuru, Molo, Kajiado, and Ngong—areas suspected of harboring covert recruitment and training activities.

“Many civil conflicts in Africa have originated in this very manner: former security officers setting up secret networks, laying low, and eventually rising with devastating force. The indicators are all here—we ignore them at our peril.”

The group also expressed concern over the role of religious organizations, particularly churches where the former Deputy President and his allies are known to attend and speak. Ngetich alleged that some sermons, often delivered in native languages, could be masking subtle radicalization messages or operational planning.

“Religious spaces must never be allowed to become breeding grounds for rebellion. The government should quietly place intelligence officers at these gatherings—not to interfere with worship—but to monitor for seditious messages or mobilization efforts.”

In a chilling comparison, the CHRD drew a parallel between the FBI movement and suicide bombing networks in the Middle East, suggesting that some of the recently arrested suspects may have been intentionally sent to expose themselves as part of a broader strategy.

“This is common in highly organized criminal networks. There are those tasked with the role of ‘sacrifice’—to test state response, create diversions, or even act as bait while core operations remain hidden.”

The Centre has called for a full government audit of individuals formerly affiliated with the provincial administration under the former Deputy President, as well as legal experts and clergy who may be part of or sympathetic to the group’s agenda.

“This is a multi-layered operation. It has political, spiritual, legal, and military dimensions. Only a coordinated national intelligence response can counter it effectively,” said Ngetich.

In closing, CHRD reiterated its unwavering support for constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and peaceful political competition. The organization condemned all forms of violence and urged the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and stand firm against the incitement of rebellion.

“The Kenyan people have chosen democracy, not anarchy. Any individual or group, no matter how powerful or connected, who seeks to destabilize our nation, must face the full force of the law. The time to act is now.”