In a swift operation aimed at curbing the misuse of social media platforms, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters have apprehended a man suspected of disseminating threatening content online.
The suspect was arrested following the viral spread of a video recorded and shared on his TikTok account earlier this week. The video allegedly contained a message deemed a threat to public safety and order.
The video spread online with apparent threats against President William Ruto, including mentions of a coup or spiritual war.
DCI stressed that while freedom of expression is protected, threats endangering peace are not tolerated.
According to official reports from the DCI, the suspect had gone into hiding shortly after the video began circulating across various social media platforms.
Following a forensic trail and intelligence-led leads, elite detectives "smoked out" the suspect from his hideout in the Gachage area of Kiganjo, located within the Gatundu South Sub-County.
Investigators believe the suspect had holed up in the remote location to evade the authorities, who had been tracking his digital footprint since the inflammatory video was flagged.
The suspect is currently in police custody undergoing processing at the DCI headquarters, pending his formal arraignment in court to face charges related to his online conduct.
The arrest comes at a time when the Kenyan government and security agencies are heightening their surveillance on digital platforms to combat hate speech, incitement, and the promotion of violence. In a statement following the arrest, the DCI issued a stern reminder to the public regarding the boundaries of constitutional freedoms.
The Directorate emphasized that while freedom of expression is a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution of Kenya, it is not absolute when it infringes upon the safety of others.
"The enjoyment of freedom of expression should not be used as a tool to promote or justify the violation of the rights of others," the DCI stated. Zero Tolerance for Incitement The Directorate further reiterated its commitment to maintaining national peace and security by monitoring digital spaces for criminal activity.
The DCI warned that law enforcement will not hesitate to act against individuals who use social media to disrupt the peace.
"The Directorate further reiterates that no effort will be spared in addressing any irresponsible use of social media, especially where there is a threat to peace and security," the statement concluded.
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