Activist Nuru Maloba Okanga, who has been in custody for five days, faced the Milimani Chief Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, charged with spreading false information on a YouTube channel about Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Okanga, known for his outspoken activism, appeared before Chief Magistrate Bernard Ochoi, where he denied multiple criminal charges including publishing false, defamatory, and threatening information on social media about Gachagua.
The charges brought against Okanga have sparked significant public interest, highlighting the ongoing tension between the government and vocal critics. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) informed the court that Okanga’s posts contained malicious and false information that not only defamed the leadership of the Republic of Kenya but also advocated for public disturbance.
According to the DPP, the nature of the information disseminated by Okanga on his YouTube channel was intended to incite unrest and create a negative perception of the government’s leadership. “The accused posted content that was not only false but also dangerous, with the potential to disrupt public order,” stated the prosecution.
Okanga, however, maintained his innocence, denying all the charges leveled against him. His defense team argued that the charges were an attempt to silence a critical voice and curb free speech. They contended that the arrest and subsequent charges were politically motivated, aimed at intimidating activists who hold the government accountable.
The case has drawn the attention of human rights organizations and free speech advocates, who argue that such charges could set a worrying precedent for freedom of expression in the country. “We are deeply concerned about the implications this case may have on the right to free speech and the role of activists in a democratic society,” said a representative from a leading human rights organization.
Supporters of Okanga gathered outside the courthouse, holding placards and chanting slogans in his favor. They called for his immediate release and condemned the government’s approach to handling dissent. “Nuru Okanga is a voice for the people, and silencing him is an affront to our democratic rights,” one protester remarked.
The court has scheduled a hearing to determine whether Okanga will be released on bail pending trial. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case is expected to continue drawing significant attention from both the public and international observers concerned about the state of civil liberties in Kenya.
This case underscores the delicate balance between maintaining public order and safeguarding freedom of expression. The outcome will likely have far-reaching implications for activists and the broader discourse on government accountability and transparency in Kenya.
