Political activist Nuru Okanga has been freed on Ksh100,000 cash bail.
Okanga was on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, charged before Milimani Law Courts Senior Principal Magistrate Bernard Ochoi with publication of false information contrary to Section 23 of the computer misuse and Cyber crimes Act 2018.
According to a statement issued by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Okanga was also charged with providing telecommunications services without a valid license contrary to Section 24 of the Kenya Information and Communication Act.
Cash bail
The Raila Odinga staunch supporter pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on a bond of Ksh200,000 with one surety or a cash bail of Ksh100,000 with one contact person.
The court heard that on diverse dates between June 7, 2024, and June 10 2024, at an unknown place within the Republic of Kenya jointly with others not before court, Okanga knowingly and unlawfully published false, defamatory and threatening information knowing it to be false.
The prosecution through Prosecution Counsel James Gachoka told the court that preliminary investigations indicate the said information, which was published online, was intended to cause fear and panic among the citizens of Kenya.
Nuru Okanga was on June 13, 2024, detained for five days.
Nuru Okanga detained
Okanga was detained at the Muthaiga police station following the prosecution’s request.
The detention was aimed at allowing the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to complete investigations into allegations of publication of false information, contrary to Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No.5 of 2018.
According to ODPP, Nuru Okanga was also under investigation for cyber harassment contrary to Section 27 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, among other offences.
He was arrested at his home in Kayole estate, a Nairobi suburb and driven to DCI headquarters on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
He was driven to DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road for questioning before being detained at Kiambu Police Station.
Nuru Okanga’s troubles
Nuru Okanga landed in trouble over his comments on Tik Tok and YouTube.
“Prosecution Counsel Virginia Kariuki told court that police are investigating continued dissemination of detrimental comments posted online by a number of social media platforms including TikTok and YouTube, alongside some websites linked to the suspect, which are considered a threat and may contribute to disturbances affecting peace, order, and public safety,” ODPP’s statement explained.
This is, however, not the first time Nuru Okanga has been arrested.
In November 2023, Okanga was arrested and arraigned in court for allegedly insulting President William Ruto.
Okanga was apprehended and arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts after a viral video of him hurling insults at the Head of State last surfaced online.
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