Benson Ashiko, a suspect arrested for allegedly sharing a viral post depicting President William Ruto’s funeral, has been detained for four days so that police can complete their investigations.
Ashiko was apprehended in Bungoma on January 24th and transferred to Nairobi’s Muthaiga Police Station.
During a session at the Milimani Law Courts on Monday, Chief Magistrate Susan Shitubi ruled that Ashiko would be held in custody until January 30th, after which he could be released on a cash bail of Ksh. 5,000 or an alternative bond of Ksh. 50,000.
According to court documents, Ashiko was arrested for publishing false information, which violated Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
The police requested a 14-day detention order, citing the need to examine Ashiko’s electronic devices and wrap up their investigations.
According to online sources, the post that led to Ashiko’s arrest went viral on social media.
It reportedly depicted a fabricated message of condolence to the First Family, which was widely circulated and perceived as malicious.
Public reactions have been divided, with some calling for caution in handling the case to safeguard freedom of expression, while others have supported the arrest, emphasizing the need to combat misinformation.
