A former Catholic priest has been arrested by detectives over social media posts that investigators claim called for the removal of President William Ruto’s government through unlawful means.
The 44-year-old was arrested on Monday in Kirigiti, Kiambu County, during an operation carried out by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
According to the DCI, the suspect is being investigated over content allegedly published on his Facebook page, which detectives say outlined plans for sustained protests, tax boycotts and other actions aimed at forcing a change of government.
“The posts were not only just political criticism but they constituted incitement,” the DCI said in his statement.
As per the investigating officers, the messages were calling for national demonstrations throughout the month of June, non-payment of taxes, and attacks on targeted public and private institutions.
Moreover, according to the DCI, the messages suggested the establishment of a parallel government system, bypassing the current constitutionally mandated one.
He was transferred to the headquarters of the DCI based in Nairobi from there; he was then handed over to the officers of the Serious Crimes unit investigating the case.
According to the police, he is likely to be charged for attempting to unlawfully overthrow a legal government, according to provisions of the Penal Code.
In a shocking revelation, the investigators have disclosed that the person in question was previously a Roman Catholic priest, although he eventually renounced his priesthood and became a member of a charismatic breakaway Catholic movement where marriage among priests is allowed.
As per reports from the DCI, forensic experts are now investigating the social media posts as part of the ongoing probe.
In light of growing cases against those who post controversial content on social media, particularly in matters of politics that can lead to public disturbances or unrest, the DCI confirmed today’s arrest of another social media personality in Mombasa, who faces similar allegations to the accused person.
Despite confirming the arrests, the DCI stated that citizens still retain their constitutional right to freedom of expression but should do so within legal parameters.
This particular case is most likely to generate interest from political and civil right activists as discussion on the need for free speech versus public order in the modern era goes on.