The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has arrested Bare Sahara Ahmed over a viral video that detectives say contained remarks likely to incite division and undermine national cohesion.
In a statement, the agency said the arrest followed a review of the widely circulated clip, with investigators moving in after establishing that the content could inflame tensions if left unchecked.
Ahmed is currently in custody and is expected to be arraigned in court as investigations continue to establish the full context and intent of her remarks.
While the DCI did not immediately release full details of the video, sources familiar with the probe indicated the clip contained statements considered inflammatory and capable of stirring hostility among communities at a time when security agencies are on high alert.
The arrest comes amid heightened concern over rising cases of incitement, particularly following recent violence in Tseikuru, Kitui County, where several people were killed in clashes linked to disputes around the Kitui Game Reserve.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has since issued a stern warning to individuals spreading inflammatory messages, saying the government will not tolerate any attempts to fuel conflict.
Murkomen condemned the killings and said security agencies have been directed to pursue those behind both the violence and any narratives that could escalate the situation.
“We will deal firmly with anyone inciting communities or threatening peaceful coexistence,” Murkomen said.
The DCI echoed the warning, reminding Kenyans that while freedom of expression is protected under the Constitution, it must be exercised within the law.
The agency cautioned against sharing or amplifying content that could deepen divisions, urging the public to remain calm and allow investigations to run their course.
Authorities say the suspect’s case will form part of a broader crackdown targeting individuals using social media platforms to spread hate speech and incitement, especially in areas already experiencing tension.
