Activist, Nuru Okang’a, detained for five days pending cybercrime investigation

2 Min Read

The Milimani Law Courts have granted the prosecution five days to detain activist Nuru Maloba Okang’a.

He will be detained at the Muthaiga Police Station to allow the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to complete investigations.

Okang’a is accused of allegedly publishing false information, contrary to Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018.

The vocal activist is also under investigation for cyber harassment, contrary to Section 27 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, among other offences.

The suspect was arrested on June 11, 2024, at his home in Kayole estate, a Nairobi suburb, and taken to the DCI headquarters for interrogation before arraignment.

According to the ODPP, the investigating officer informed the court that initial investigations had revealed suspicious accounts allegedly managed by the suspect, which posted malicious and false information about the Republic of Kenya and its leadership, advocating for public disturbance.

Prosecution Counsel Virginia Kariuki told the court that police are investigating the continued dissemination of detrimental comments posted online by several social media platforms, including TikTok and YouTube, alongside some websites linked to the suspect, which are considered a threat and may contribute to disturbances affecting peace, order, and public safety.

The police have identified the suspect as a serial offender concerning this investigation.

The case will be mentioned on June 18, 2024.

Share This Article