A 24-year-old Kenyan university student appeared in court on Thursday after being charged with publishing false information about President William Ruto’s death in a social media post—a case that highlights increasing concern over freedom of expression and state repression in the country.
The accused, David Mokaya, was arrested in late 2024 for sharing an image of a funeral procession with the caption: “President William Ruto’s Body leaves Lee Funeral Home.” Prosecutors claim the post was intended to incite fear and misinformation.
Mokaya’s legal team described the post as political satire, arguing that it fell within the bounds of free expression. “Our client was exercising his constitutional right to political expression and satire, including criticism of the head of state,” his lawyer told AFP.
Kenya has faced mounting criticism from human rights groups following a crackdown on dissent after mass protests in June 2024 against tax hikes and corruption. Security forces were accused of killing at least 60 protesters and abducting dozens more in the aftermath.
Among those reportedly abducted was cartoonist Gideon Kibet, known online as Kibet Bull, who posted satirical images of President Ruto. After resurfacing weeks later, he publicly announced he would cease his online satire.
Rights organizations have linked the abductions to a shadowy unit allegedly involving Kenya’s intelligence and counter-terrorism agencies. However, President Ruto recently addressed the issue, stating:
“All the people who disappeared or who were abducted… have been brought back to their families… and I have given firm instructions that nothing of that nature will happen again.”
The case against Mokaya continues as debates grow over the balance between national security and civil liberties in Kenya’s digital age.
