Police in Siaya have arrested a renowned Bondo blogger, Boniface Ohindo, popularly known as Super B, over claims that he defamed MCA Francis Otiato of Yimbo East Ward through his posts on social media.
Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations picked up Ohindo from his home after the MCA filed a complaint against him, accusing him of spreading wrong information about development projects in the area.
Confirming the arrest, Bondo DCIO Reuben Onchoka said the blogger is being held at Bondo Police Station pending his appearance in court on Monday, where he will be charged with cyber harassment and misuse of digital platforms.
The arrest has elicited mixed reactions among the people of Yimbo East. A section of locals led by Erick Oyaro visited the police station in solidarity with the blogger and pleaded with the MCA to let the matter be resolved out of court. Oyaro reminded Otiato that Ohindo once worked for him as a personal assistant, saying the dispute could be settled peacefully.
Yet many others said it was a worrying move because it could intimidate residents who question how local projects are managed.
“This is not the way to handle criticism,” said Margaret Akinyi, a resident. “People are now afraid to speak up about what is happening in their community. The MCA should withdraw the case so that we maintain peace between leaders and the people.”
MCA has, however, defended his move, saying he reached out to Ohindo severally and asked him to pull down the false posts, but his pleas fell on deaf ears.
“I tried talking to him in private, and asked him to stop tarnishing my name, but he refused. I had no other option but to involve the law,” Otiato said.
He dropped a hint, however, that he might forgive him in case the blogger apologizes and shows remorse publicly. “If he owns up and apologizes, I am ready to move on. If not, I will pursue the case both in criminal court and through a civil suit,” he said.
