NAIROBI, Kenya- A prison warder who joined Kenyans in the anti-finance bill protests last June has found himself in hot water after being charged with publishing false information linked to recent abduction claims.
Jackson Kuria Kihara, alias “Cop Shakur,” was arraigned on Monday and accused of knowingly spreading false information via his X Corp account, @CopShakur.
Am being taken to DCI hq
According to the charge sheet, on January 11, 2025, Shakur posted allegations implicating Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and President William Ruto in the ongoing abductions.
The post, described as “calculated to cause panic among citizens,” has drawn attention to the limits of online speech in Kenya, with critics raising concerns about freedom of expression.
Shakur was arrested on January 15 at Kamiti Maximum Prison staff quarters and booked at Muthaiga Police Station.
Following his detention, authorities sought additional time for investigations, citing the need to examine his phone for digital evidence.
In a court affidavit, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) argued for a 21-day extension to analyze data.
They noted that Shakur’s training as a disciplined officer, including firearm proficiency, made him a potential risk to the investigation.
However, Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina granted a shorter window, giving investigators three days to conclude their probe.
On Monday, Shakur appeared before Milimani Magistrate Gilbert Shikwe, where he denied the charges. He was subsequently released on a cash bail of Sh50,000.
The case has sparked debate over the balancing act between curbing misinformation and safeguarding freedom of speech in Kenya.
While authorities maintain that false allegations could destabilize the country, others argue the government is treading a fine line between enforcing laws and silencing dissent.
