NAIROBI, Kenya – A Milimani court has summoned the investigating officer in the cybercrime case involving social media influencer Francis Gaitho, who is facing charges of publishing false information.
The summons were issued on Monday, July 14, 2025, by Chief Magistrate Susan Shitubi during a court mention, following delays in the proceedings.
The court directed the officer to appear on August 12, 2025, when the case will resume.
This development comes two weeks after Senior Principal Magistrate Robinson Ondieki issued a warrant of arrest for Gaitho on June 30, 2025, after the prosecution accused him of repeatedly skipping court appearances.
“The court allows the application. A warrant of arrest is hereby issued,” ruled Magistrate Ondieki at the time.
The Charges
Gaitho was first arrested in July 2024 amid the Gen Z protests that swept through parts of the country.
He now faces two counts of publishing false information contrary to the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
According to the charge sheet, Gaitho is accused of falsely claiming on X that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had arrested the wrong suspect in the Kware murders—a case in which several women were found brutally killed in Nairobi’s Embakasi area.
Police had earlier arrested Collins Jumaisi in connection with the murders. Although he reportedly confessed to the crimes, Jumaisi escaped from Gigiri Police Station shortly after his arrest and remains at large.
Prosecutors say Gaitho’s July 15, 2024, post misled the public, undermined police investigations, and potentially obstructed justice.
He also faces a second charge of publishing false information that allegedly exposed an innocent person to possible harm, according to court documents.
Bail and Non-Compliance
Gaitho denied all charges and was released on cash bail of Sh30,000. However, his continued absence in court has frustrated the prosecution and led to renewed legal action to ensure his attendance.
The court is expected to deliberate further once the investigating officer appears in court and gives an update on the status of the case.
