A fourth-year Moi University student David Oaga Mokaya was arrested and arraigned in court after posting a manipulated funeral image falsely implying the death of President William Ruto. Mokaya who is a resident of Eldoret’s Annex area, shared the image on his X account, “Landlord @bozgabi,” sparking widespread attention and legal repercussions.
Mokaya, a student at Moi University Annex Campus, was reportedly abducted from his rental apartment in Eldoret hours after his post went viral. Witnesses allege plainclothes officers in civilian vehicles whisked him away without prior notice. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) later confirmed his arrest.
According to the ODPP, Mokaya posted an image of a funeral procession featuring a casket covered with the Kenyan flag, accompanied by military officers in ceremonial uniform. The caption misleadingly claimed it was “President William Ruto’s body leaving Lee Funeral Home.”
The ODPP clarified that Mokaya deliberately manipulated the content to appear authentic, violating Kenya’s Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
Moi University Student Arrested, Arraigned in Court
Mokaya appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhumbi at the Milimani Law Courts on November 18, 2024. He was charged with publishing false information contrary to Section 22(1) of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018.
The prosecution argued that the post was intended to mislead and provoke public unrest. Mokaya pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court granted him a bond of Ksh100,000 with an alternative cash bail of Ksh50,000. The case is set for mention on December 4, 2024.
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Known as “Landlord” on X, Mokaya has built a reputation as a fierce critic of President Ruto and Kenya Kwanza politicians. His posts often target government policies and actions, resonating with a segment of Kenyans dissatisfied with the administration.
