- Larry Madowo condemned the government for persecuting dissidents while notorious criminals were left unpunished
- University student David Oaga Mokaya was accused of sharing a digitally altered image suggesting the death of President William Ruto
- The arrest has sparked a national debate about free speech and the abuse of cybercrime laws
CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo He has asked the government to file charges against people who oppose their voices.
Source: Instagram
The journalist retweeted the news of the arrest of a university student allegedly spreading false news about the President William Ruto.
Did David Mokaya break the law?
On Monday, November 18, David Oaga Mokaya was brought before Senior High Magistrate Benmark Ekhumbi, where he was charged with computer misuse and cyber crime.
Mokaya was accused of publishing false news by publishing a photo of a funeral procession with a coffin draped in the Kenyan flag escorted by military officers in ceremonial uniform.
According to the charge sheet, Mokaya allegedly shared the photo on his X account and wrote a caption to show Ruto's body being transported.
Larry Madowo's comments about the arrest of Mokaya
Responding, Madowo pointed out that it is stupid to torture young people by sending messages on Twitter while murderers and thieves walk free.
“Accusing young people with offensive tweets but real killers, and people who steal billions free,” he noted.
Other Kenyans also responded to Madowo's tweet, joining him.
@Itsprotich:
“This is not fair; we need freedom of speech.”
@l0n3n1nj4:
“We need to Own ODPP. They are becoming a nuisance and are part of the big problem of JurisPESA. Who is the complainant in this matter?”
@OtienoJack7:
“They are government appointees who work only in the interests of the government.”
@pingache:
“This is happening because Ruto knows he has failed as President of Kenya but he does not want Kenyans to talk about it. To his shock, Kenyans will not stop talking about it.”
@MrNaffKe:
“Not only do they walk freely, but they also hold many positions in the government.”
Why the charges against David Mokaya can be dismissed
In 2017, Judge EC Convener of the High Court declared Section 132 of the Penal Code unconstitutional and invalid.
He said that public criticism is important for citizens to inform their leaders about actions that may not serve the national interest, and that criticism helps public officials to understand the feelings of the people.
The decision came after the current Kileleshwa MCA, Robert Alai, filed a petition following his insulting remarks about the former president, Uhuru Kenyatta.
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