Boniface Mulinge Muteti, 30, appeared before the Milimani Law Courts on Monday, where he was charged under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act of 2018.
Prosecutors accuse him of publishing false and misleading information on X (formerly Twitter) that allegedly portrayed political leaders as corrupt and unlawfully wealthy.
According to the prosecution, Muteti used his X account to post statements suggesting that Kenyan politicians had not earned their wealth through legitimate work or innovation, but had instead acquired it through theft from public resources.
According to the prosecution, Muteti used his X account to post statements suggesting that Kenyan politicians had not earned their wealth through legitimate work or innovation, but had instead acquired it through theft from public resources.
The state argues that the content was shared with the potential to cause fear, anger, or even violence among members of the public.
The posts, allegedly made on December 6, 2025, claimed that political leaders should return their wealth to citizens, a message prosecutors say could inflame public emotions during a tense political period.
The posts, allegedly made on December 6, 2025, claimed that political leaders should return their wealth to citizens, a message prosecutors say could inflame public emotions during a tense political period.
Authorities insist the statements were presented as facts despite lacking proof, making them dangerous under the law.
Muteti denied the charge when it was read to him in court. Through his lawyer, he asked the court to grant him lenient bail terms, stating that he is a law-abiding citizen with a fixed residence in Nairobi and no history of skipping court proceedings.
His defence team argued that the blogger was exercising his right to free expression and public commentary, noting that social media has become a key platform for civic engagement and accountability discussions.
Muteti denied the charge when it was read to him in court. Through his lawyer, he asked the court to grant him lenient bail terms, stating that he is a law-abiding citizen with a fixed residence in Nairobi and no history of skipping court proceedings.
His defence team argued that the blogger was exercising his right to free expression and public commentary, noting that social media has become a key platform for civic engagement and accountability discussions.
They also asked the court to compel the prosecution to provide all evidence and witness statements ahead of the trial to allow for proper preparation.
After hearing submissions from both sides, the court released Muteti on a cash bail of Ksh15,000. He was also required to provide a contact person and attend all future court dates as directed. The magistrate instructed the prosecution to supply the defence with all relevant materials before the next hearing.
Muteti was arrested on December 12, 2025, by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ Serious Crimes Unit. He spent the weekend in custody at Muthaiga Police Station after police declined to grant him bail at the station.
The case has reignited debate around the use of the Cybercrime Act, particularly concerning where the line lies between freedom of speech and criminal liability online. Civil rights groups have previously raised concerns that the law could be used to intimidate critics and silence dissent, especially on social media platforms where political debate is often heated.
Supporters of the law, however, argue that it is necessary to curb misinformation that can cause panic, damage reputations, or trigger violence.
The case is scheduled for a pre-trial mention on December 30, 2025, when the court is expected to confirm compliance with disclosure requirements and set timelines for the hearing.
After hearing submissions from both sides, the court released Muteti on a cash bail of Ksh15,000. He was also required to provide a contact person and attend all future court dates as directed. The magistrate instructed the prosecution to supply the defence with all relevant materials before the next hearing.
Muteti was arrested on December 12, 2025, by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ Serious Crimes Unit. He spent the weekend in custody at Muthaiga Police Station after police declined to grant him bail at the station.
The case has reignited debate around the use of the Cybercrime Act, particularly concerning where the line lies between freedom of speech and criminal liability online. Civil rights groups have previously raised concerns that the law could be used to intimidate critics and silence dissent, especially on social media platforms where political debate is often heated.
Supporters of the law, however, argue that it is necessary to curb misinformation that can cause panic, damage reputations, or trigger violence.
The case is scheduled for a pre-trial mention on December 30, 2025, when the court is expected to confirm compliance with disclosure requirements and set timelines for the hearing.
Tags
People