Prominent digital strategist Dennis Itumbi has condemned the arrest of Nuru Maloba Okanga, a fervent supporter of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for insulting president William Ruto.
Okanga appeared before the Milimani Law Court on Thursday, November 30, following his arrest a day earlier.
Also Read: Nuru Okanga Charged With Insulting President Ruto On Social Media, Released On Sh10,000 Cash Bail
According to Itumbi, individuals have the right to express opinions that may be offensive, shocking, or disturbing.
“Whoever is doing it, wacheni kabisa. Please, Wakili Waithera Kinuthia, if Nuru Okanga agrees, represent him in court at my cost,” Itumbi stated.
Itumbi asserted that President William Ruto was not informed or aware of the arrest, raising questions about the identity of the complainant.
Nuru Okanga faces charges of spreading false information on a YouTube channel, with the charge sheet alleging that he published a video on November 20 targeting Ruto.
The accusations include using intimidating and abusive language with the intent to discredit a state officer and provoke a breach of peace.
The charges brought against Okanga are based on the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2018, which stipulates a fine of Ksh5 million, a prison term of five years, or both for spreading false information online.
In the contentious video, Okanga issued threats to the President and some of his allies, expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s treatment of the opposition and calling for respect for ODM party leader Raila Odinga.
The nine-minute video also criticized the Kenya Kwanza regime, leading to Okanga’s legal predicament.
