POLITICS, TRENDING

JUST IN: Court Frees Activist Morara Kebaso, Dismisses Cyber Harassment Charges.

Lawyer-turned-activist Morara Kebaso was released by the High Court of Kenya after facing charges of cyber harassment. He had been granted a Ksh50,000 cash bail while awaiting a ruling on the case. His court hearing took place on Friday October 4, 2024, at 2 p.m. where the court decided not to proceed with the charges.

During the week, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) presented charges against Kebaso. These charges were based on accusations of cyber harassment under Section 27 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act. However, the court ruled that the charges were defective and dismissed the case, freeing Kebaso.

Cyber Harassment Charges Dropped

The prosecution alleged that Morara Kebaso posted false information about businessman David Langat on his X account, formerly known as Twitter. According to the charge sheet presented to the court, the post had tarnished Langat’s reputation. The controversial post, made on September 28, 2024, accused President William Ruto of exploiting his friendship with Langat for financial gain.

In the post, Kebaso claimed that Ruto used Langat’s properties as security for loans, only to have them auctioned later. He also alleged that Ruto undervalued these properties to purchase them at a lower price.

Arrest at Kahawa Sukari Office

On September 30, 2024, Kebaso was arrested at his Kahawa Sukari office by six masked men. Only one of them identified himself as an officer from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). The arrest was swift, and officers confiscated Kebaso’s phones and laptop. The activist was then transported to the Regional Police Headquarters in a Subaru vehicle, registration number KCQ 166J.

PHOTO: Activist Morara Kebaso when he was arraigned in court over cyber misuse charges | COURTESY

His security officer, Geoffrey, witnessed the arrest and notified Kebaso’s legal team. Several lawyers followed the vehicle to the police station, where Kebaso was questioned.

Morara Kebaso’s Fight Against Corruption

Morara Kebaso has been an outspoken critic of President William Ruto’s administration. He regularly speaks out against stalled government projects and highlights what he considers widespread corruption. His activism, particularly his critical stance against Ruto, has placed him under increased scrutiny.

In a recent interview, Kebaso revealed that he had received several threats and had noticed unidentified vehicles following him. Despite the risks, he remains committed to exposing corruption, insisting that his work is more important than his personal safety.

Public Reaction to Morara Kebaso’s Case

Kebaso’s supporters view him as a brave activist fighting for justice and accountability. Many believe his arrest was politically motivated, intended to silence him and his efforts to expose corruption within the government. His release from court has been hailed as a victory for free speech and activism.

PHOTO: Morara Kebaso during a past event | COURTESY

However, others criticize Kebaso for spreading unverified information. His accusations against President Ruto and Langat have fueled public debate, with some calling for more responsible conduct in online spaces. Despite the charges being dropped, the incident has left a lasting impression on both Kebaso’s supporters and critics.

Legal experts have weighed in on the dismissal of Kebaso’s case. They argue that the prosecution’s failure to provide sufficient evidence led to the court’s decision. Some lawyers believe that the cyber harassment charges, under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act, need clearer guidelines to avoid similar outcomes in future cases.

Kebaso’s legal team celebrated the court’s ruling, stating that the charges were based on false claims. They emphasized that the activist’s actions were driven by a desire to hold powerful figures accountable.

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About Mboto Harry Ivan

Mboto Harry is a Linguistics, Media and Communication student at Moi University. He is a print and digital journalist with 3+ years of writing quality and engaging news articles and feature stories across various platforms. Email: harryivan272@gmail.com | WhatsApp: +254102796337

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