The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested popular Luo content creator David Onyango, widely known online as MC Adek Tatu, over a series of controversial social media posts allegedly targeting members of the Kikuyu community following the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls’ Academy that claimed the lives of 16 students.
According to a statement released by the DCI, detectives launched an operation against Onyango after receiving intelligence linking him to inflammatory and insensitive content shared on his Facebook page, “MC Adek Tatu,” in the aftermath of the devastating school fire.
The tragic incident at Utumishi Girls’ Academy shocked the nation, with Kenyans from all walks of life mourning the loss of the young students and calling for unity and support for the affected families.
However, investigators say Onyango used the tragedy to publish offensive messages that sparked outrage online.
One of the posts attributed to the content creator expressed condolences to some families while allegedly mocking others.
The Facebook post read in part:
“To all … that have lost their girls at Utumishi Academy because of the fire, receive my heartfelt condolences… To all … that have lost their children, I wish you lost more.”
The post, which circulated widely on social media before being deleted, drew condemnation from Kenyans who described it as cruel, divisive, and insensitive given the magnitude of the tragedy.
Claimed Account Was Hacked
After backlash intensified, Onyango reportedly deleted the controversial posts and claimed that his Facebook account had been hacked.
Despite the claim, detectives continued with their investigations and traced the suspect’s movements.
According to the DCI, officers tracked him to Queen’s Court in Utange, Mombasa County, where he was arrested inside his residence after a manhunt.
“The suspect is currently in custody, undergoing processing ahead of his arraignment,” the DCI stated.
Rising Concern Over Online Hate Speech
The arrest comes amid growing concern over the use of social media platforms to spread hate speech, ethnic incitement, and inflammatory content, particularly during periods of national tragedy.
Kenyan authorities have repeatedly warned content creators and social media users against exploiting sensitive incidents to fuel ethnic tensions.
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Under Kenyan law, individuals found guilty of hate speech or incitement can face hefty fines, imprisonment, or both.
The Utumishi Girls’ Academy fire has generated an outpouring of grief across the country, with leaders, parents, religious organizations, and human rights groups urging Kenyans to remain united and avoid statements that could deepen divisions during a period of national mourning.
Kenyans React
News of MC Adek Tatu’s arrest quickly spread across social media, with many users supporting the DCI’s action and calling for accountability over online conduct.
Others urged investigators to conduct a thorough and fair investigation, particularly regarding the suspect’s claim that his Facebook account had been compromised.
As Onyango awaits arraignment, the case is expected to reignite debate about freedom of expression, responsibility on social media, and the consequences of using online platforms to spread messages that could be interpreted as hateful or inflammatory.
The arrest marks one of the most high-profile actions taken by authorities against a digital content creator accused of using social media to stoke ethnic tensions following a national tragedy.
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