Activist Nuru Okanga Maloba is set to stay behind bars for five days following orders issued by the Milimani Law Courts.
According to a statement from the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (ODPP) on Thursday, June 13, 2024, Okanga will be detained at the Muthaiga police station following the prosecution’s request.
Okanga, a Raila Odinga diehard supporter, will spend five days behind bars to allow 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.
ODPP in his statement confirmed that Nuru Okanga is also under investigation for cyber harassment contrary to Section 27 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, among other offences.
Okanga’s arrest ordeal
Nuru Okanga was cornered and arrested at his home in Kayole estate, a Nairobi suburb and driven to DCI headquarters on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
The activist was driven by detectives for questioning before his arraignment.
“The Investigating officer informed the court that initial investigations had revealed suspicious accounts allegedly managed by the suspect, which posted malicious and false information about the Republic of Kenya and its leadership, advocating for public disturbance,” ODPP’s statement read in part.
His Tiktok comments
“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.
“Police has identified the suspect as a serial offender in relation to this investigation.”
The case will be mentioned on June 18, 2024.
Past arrest incidences
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.
Appearing before Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina, the activist was charged with publishing false information on a YouTube channel dubbed Riba News on November 20, 2023, at an unknown place in Kenya.
In March 2023, Okanga was nabbed together with two other Odinga loyalists namely Calvin Gaucho and Charles Ooko MC Olonde for allegedly leading anti-government protests.
They were however released later on Ksh1,000 cash bail each.
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