The rise of social media in the digital age has dramatically altered how information is disseminated and consumed. Traditional channels of communication, such as television and newspapers, have been complemented—and at times surpassed—by platforms like Twitter (now X), Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. These platforms allow anyone with a smartphone to act as a citizen journalist, broadcasting events in real-time. In Kenya, this digital transformation was notably demonstrated during the recent arrest and subsequent release of political activist Morara Kebaso. What began as an apparent covert operation turned into a highly publicized, real-time saga with the help of social media. This article delves into how live streams, hashtags, and widespread online engagement diluted the secrecy surrounding Kebaso’s arrest and turned his ordeal into a national conversation.
The Arrest of Morara Kebaso
On Monday, political activist Morara Kebaso was apprehended by unknown individuals at his Kahawa Sukari offices. The arrest, which was carried out under mysterious circumstances, was reportedly linked to “orders from above.” What should have been a routine, discreet operation quickly escalated into a highly publicized event, thanks to a series of live social media broadcasts.
Kebaso was bundled into a Subaru Forester and taken to the Regional Police Headquarters in Nairobi, then later transferred to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters in Kiambu. Supporters of Kebaso, however, were not willing to let his arrest go unnoticed. Using smartphones and social media, they began live-streaming the entire ordeal. As they followed the car, broadcasting the high-speed chase on platforms like TikTok, the unfolding drama drew the attention of the Kenyan public.
The narrative that was unfolding in real-time gave citizens a front-row seat to a saga that would normally take place behind closed doors. By the time the Subaru reached the DCI headquarters, thousands of Kenyans had tuned in to watch live streams on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. Comments began flooding in, with many expressing outrage over the manner of Kebaso’s arrest. The hashtag #FreeMoraraKebaso began trending on X, as the public voiced its dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of dissenting voices.
The Role of Social Media in Challenging the Status Quo
The rapid rise of the #FreeMoraraKebaso hashtag exemplifies the power of social media to amplify voices that might otherwise be silenced. What could have been a quiet, unnoticed detainment was instead transformed into a public issue that demanded the attention of both the authorities and the public. Social media platforms gave Morara’s supporters and everyday Kenyans the tools to hold the state accountable in real-time, a significant development in a country where the government has often been accused of silencing dissent.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah was one of the many political figures who took advantage of the online momentum. Appearing outside DCI headquarters during one of the TikTok live streams, Omtatah declared that he and other concerned citizens would not leave until Kebaso’s safety was confirmed. His declaration, captured on camera and streamed live to thousands of viewers, added fuel to the growing online movement.
By giving Omtatah and other public figures a platform to communicate directly with their constituents, social media broke down the traditional barriers between politicians and the public. It allowed for a real-time, unfiltered conversation about government transparency, human rights, and the state’s approach to dealing with activists.
From a Courtroom to the Streets: The Role of the Judiciary and Public Demonstration
The next day, as Morara Kebaso appeared in court, social media continued to play a pivotal role in keeping the public informed. NARC-Kenya leader Martha Karua led a legal team of over 10 advocates in representing Kebaso. The activist was charged with cyber harassment under Section 27 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018. Specifically, the charge was linked to a post he had made on X, where he accused President William Ruto of engaging in dubious financial dealings with businessman David Langat.
In the post, Kebaso alleged that Langat had been coerced into using his properties as security for loans that helped fund Ruto’s campaign. According to the activist, the President later manipulated the value of these properties to acquire them at a lower price. The post was seen as part of Kebaso’s broader critique of corruption and governance in Kenya.
Despite the charges, Kebaso was released on a Ksh.50,000 cash bail. However, this legal resolution did not immediately quell the public’s unrest. Social media continued to buzz with activity, and the same live streams that had captured his arrest now covered the scenes outside the courtroom. Supporters chanted and marched in protest of the charges, demanding justice for Kebaso and vowing to keep the pressure on the government.
The power of social media to unite disparate groups into a single, cohesive movement was on full display. The people who had initially tuned in to watch the live stream of Kebaso’s arrest now found themselves part of a broader movement calling for transparency, justice, and respect for the rule of law.
Amplifying Political Voices: Social Media and Kenya’s Evolving Activism
Kebaso’s case highlights a growing trend in Kenya: the use of social media as a tool for activism and political expression. Platforms like X, TikTok, and Facebook have become essential for activists who wish to bypass traditional media gatekeepers and speak directly to the public. This development has empowered a new generation of politically engaged citizens who are using digital platforms to hold leaders accountable.
Notably, Kenya is not the only country experiencing this phenomenon. Around the world, social media has proven to be a vital tool for political movements, from the Arab Spring in the early 2010s to the recent Black Lives Matter protests. What makes Kenya’s case particularly unique, however, is the intersection of these digital tools with the country’s rich history of political activism.
In the past, political dissent in Kenya often relied on physical protests, public rallies, and the support of influential politicians. While these traditional methods are still in use, social media has introduced a new dynamic: the ability to coordinate, mobilize, and broadcast activism in real-time. In the case of Morara Kebaso, this dynamic was on full display, as thousands of Kenyans used their phones to join the protest from their homes, offices, and streets.
Government Response: A Delicate Balance
As social media continues to play an increasingly important role in Kenyan political discourse, the government faces a challenging dilemma. On one hand, it must recognize the democratic value of these platforms, which allow citizens to express their concerns and hold their leaders accountable. On the other hand, the state has sought to regulate these platforms through laws like the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, which was used to charge Morara Kebaso.
While laws regulating online content are necessary to combat cyberbullying, misinformation, and other harmful behaviors, they must be carefully balanced against the right to free expression. The Kenyan government’s handling of cases like Kebaso’s will likely set a precedent for how it approaches online activism in the future. Overreach could lead to further public unrest, while a more measured approach might foster a healthier dialogue between the state and its citizens.
Conclusion: The Future of Digital Activism in Kenya
Morara Kebaso’s arrest and subsequent release serve as a powerful reminder of how social media has become a formidable tool for activism and political engagement in Kenya. Livestreams, hashtags, and online platforms helped turn what might have been a quiet detainment into a national conversation, forcing the government to respond publicly. The #FreeMoraraKebaso movement demonstrates that in the digital age, the balance of power is shifting. Leaders and institutions can no longer operate in the shadows, as the public now has the tools to shine a light on their actions in real-time.
As Kenya continues to grapple with issues of governance, human rights, and political dissent, social media will likely remain a central battlefield. How the state and its citizens navigate this new terrain will determine the future of activism in the country—and perhaps the very nature of Kenyan democracy itself.
