NAIROBI, Kenya- Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a former Catholic priest over allegations that he published online content advocating the unlawful overthrow of the government through sustained protests, arson attacks and the establishment of a parallel administration.
The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Edwin Gathangi Waiguru, was arrested in a coordinated operation conducted by detectives attached to the DCI Headquarters’ Operation Action Team (OAT) in Kirigiti, Kiambu County.
According to the DCI, the arrest followed investigations into content allegedly posted on Waiguru’s Facebook page, “Kinta Kinte II,” which authorities claim outlined plans for prolonged street demonstrations throughout June 2026, targeted attacks on public and private property, tax boycotts and the formation of an alternative transitional government structure.
Investigators contend that the publication crossed the line from lawful political expression into advocacy for actions aimed at destabilising constitutional governance.
In a development that has attracted public attention, Waiguru is an ordained former Roman Catholic priest who reportedly left the church and later joined the Catholic Charismatic Church, a splinter denomination that permits clergy to marry.
Despite leaving the Roman Catholic Church, authorities say he continued to wear clerical attire and has recently been associated with church activities in Nairobi’s Riruta area.
Following his arrest, Waiguru was taken to the DCI Headquarters before being handed over to the Serious Crime Unit for further investigations and processing.
The suspect is expected to face charges under Section 40(1)(a)(iii) of the Penal Code, which criminalises attempts to unlawfully overthrow a legally established government.
The DCI said forensic analysis of the online publication is ongoing as investigators gather evidence to support the case.
“The digital space is not exempt from legal accountability,” the agency said in a statement, warning that individuals who publish content that promotes violence, destruction of property or unconstitutional actions will face legal consequences.
The agency, however, reiterated that freedom of expression remains a constitutionally protected right but noted that the law distinguishes between legitimate dissent and advocacy for violence or unlawful actions.
Waiguru’s arrest comes just two days after the arrest of another suspect, David Onyango Elgon, also known as MC Adek Tatu, in Mombasa County over alleged dissemination of inflammatory social media content.
The latest arrests come amid heightened scrutiny of online political discourse and social media activism, with authorities warning that content deemed to incite violence or public disorder will be investigated and prosecuted under existing laws.
The DCI has urged members of the public to exercise responsibility in their online engagements and report suspicious activities through established law enforcement channels as investigations continue.
