A 24-year-old Kenyan university student is facing trial after being accused of spreading false information online claiming President William Ruto had died.
David Mokaya was arrested late last year after sharing an image of a funeral procession on social media with the caption: “President William Ruto’s Body leaves Lee Funeral Home.” The post quickly went viral, leading to his arrest under Kenya’s laws against false information.
The case, which was heard at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi, was adjourned until July 31.
Mokaya’s lawyer argued that the charges were politically motivated and an infringement on free speech.
“Our client was exercising his right to political satire and criticism,” the lawyer told AFP. “Political satire is not a crime. This case is extremely weak.”
The trial has heightened concerns about a broader crackdown on dissent in Kenya, particularly in the wake of last year’s mass protests over tax increases and alleged government corruption. Human rights groups claim that at least 60 people were killed and many abducted during and after the demonstrations.
In December, several people went missing after circulating AI-generated images depicting President Ruto in a coffin. Among them was cartoonist Gideon Kibet, known as “Kibet Bull,” who stopped publishing political cartoons after his release.
Rights organisations allege a covert government unit is responsible for the abductions—claims the authorities deny. However, President Ruto recently acknowledged the incidents, stating all missing persons had been reunited with their families and promising such actions would not recur.
