A man has been charged in Nairobi for allegedly impersonating President William Ruto’s daughter, June Ruto, in a case that highlights the growing threat of online identity theft in Kenya.
Samwel Mogwasi Mainga was apprehended on Wednesday in Mombasa and brought before the Milimani Law Courts on Thursday. He faces charges under Section 29 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018, which criminalizes identity theft and impersonation using digital platforms.
According to the prosecution, Mainga allegedly used social media platforms to falsely present himself as June Ruto. The motive behind the impersonation remains unclear, but the authorities suspect it may have been part of a broader fraudulent scheme.
In an affidavit filed in court, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer Peter Mwangi requested the court to allow police to detain Mainga for an additional seven days to complete ongoing investigations. Mwangi cited the complexity of the case and the need to retrieve key digital evidence, including data from Mainga’s Facebook account, as well as statements from potential witnesses.
“Due to the nature and the complexity of this matter, it requires more days to obtain some vital information/documents in relation to the case,” Mwangi said in the affidavit.
The DCI also expressed concern that Mainga’s fixed residence is yet to be confirmed, raising the risk that he could flee the court’s jurisdiction if released prematurely.
The court is expected to deliver its ruling on the police application on Friday. If found guilty, Mainga could face a fine of up to KSh 5 million, a prison sentence not exceeding three years, or both, as stipulated under the Cybercrimes Act.
This case comes amid heightened government efforts to clamp down on cybercrime and online fraud. Authorities have warned the public against engaging in digital impersonation, especially involving public figures, stating that such crimes will be met with the full force of the law.
The outcome of Friday’s ruling will determine whether Mainga remains in custody as investigations continue.
