Activist Morara Kebaso was on Tuesday arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi. He was arrested by detectives at his office in Kahawa Sukari a day before.
Activist Morara Kebaso was arrested by police in Nairobi. Authorities subsequently charged him with cyber harassment related to a post he made about David Langat.
The arrest occurred at his office in Kahawa Sukari, and during the court proceedings, the prosecution outlined several charges against him, including the dissemination of false information.
The specific allegations stem from a post where Kebaso accused President William Ruto of misleading Langat into taking out loans under the pretense of repayment, which ultimately led to Langat facing financial ruin.
In the controversial post, Kebaso claimed that Langat had used his properties as collateral to secure loans for Ruto’s campaign needs.
He alleged that Langat was now facing property auctions due to his financial struggles, suggesting that Ruto was benefiting from these auctions. This post, shared on social media, has drawn significant attention and controversy, leading to Kebaso’s legal troubles.
The circumstances surrounding Kebaso’s arrest raised concerns about police conduct, as his lawyer reported being denied access to him while he was detained.
The lawyer criticized the police for their lack of respect for legal rights and the constitution, suggesting that the situation reflects broader issues within the law enforcement system. This incident has sparked discussions about the treatment of activists and the implications of freedom of speech in Kenya.
Kebaso’s case coincided with the appearance of former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu in court, indicating a tense political climate.
The activist’s arrest and the charges against him highlight ongoing tensions between government officials and those who challenge their actions, particularly in the realm of social media and public discourse. The situation continues to unfold, with public interest in the implications for activism and free expression in the country.