A university student, David Oaga Mokaya, was charged on Monday at the Milimani Law Courts with publishing false information after sharing a misleading image of a funeral procession.
Mokaya, who posted the image on his X (formerly Twitter) account, “Landlord @bozgabi,” on November 13, 2024, claimed that the photo depicted President William Ruto being transported in a casket.
The image in question showed a casket draped in the Kenyan flag, accompanied by military officers in ceremonial uniforms, creating the false impression that it involved the President.
According to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mokaya fabricated details such as the date and context of the photo, intending to deceive the public and spread misinformation.
The charge comes amid growing concerns over the spread of disinformation on social media platforms, which has the potential to cause panic and disrupt public order.
The prosecution emphasized the severity of the offense, highlighting that publishing false information is a criminal act under Kenyan law, particularly when it can harm public trust in government officials or state institutions.
Appearing before Senior Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhumbi, Mokaya pleaded not guilty to the charges of publishing false information.
The prosecution argued that the spread of such deceptive content undermines public confidence and creates unnecessary confusion, especially when it involves high-profile individuals like the President.
Mokaya was granted bail with a bond of Sh 100,000 or a cash bail of Sh 50,000. His case will return to court for a hearing on December 4, 2024, where further legal proceedings will be conducted.
Legal experts have emphasized the importance of combating the spread of fake news, particularly in the lead-up to the 2025 elections, to maintain public peace and order.
Mokaya’s case is expected to set a precedent in the ongoing fight against misinformation on social media in Kenya.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@NairobiNews.co.ke
