Political activist Morara Kebaso has regained his freedom, thanks in part to the widespread attention garnered by his arrest, which was streamed live on social media.
Kebaso was detained on Monday at his Kahawa Sukari office under unclear circumstances by officers claiming to be acting on “orders from above.”
He was forcibly placed in a Subaru Forester and taken first to the Regional Police Headquarters in Nairobi before being transferred to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters in Kiambu.
In an unusual turn of events, the incident was broadcast live by Kebaso’s supporters, disrupting the officers’ efforts to carry out the arrest discreetly.
By nightfall, the hashtag #FreeMoraraKebaso was trending on platforms like X and TikTok, as a group of supporters chased the vehicle at high speed.
Once Kebaso arrived at the DCI offices, a crowd had already gathered outside, with multiple live streams in progress.
Among those present was Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who addressed the audience, declaring, “He is being illegally held…
There is no reason why Morara cannot be taken to a police station and booked into an OB.
We will keep vigil outside the DCI until we are informed of his safety.”
Comments on various streams criticized the government for the rising number of abductions since the start of anti-government protests, with many vowing not to let Kebaso’s case be overlooked.
On Tuesday, Kebaso appeared in court with NARC-Kenya leader Martha Karua as his lead counsel, supported by over ten advocates.
He faced charges of cyber harassment under Section 27 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018, stemming from a post on his X account that allegedly contained false information intended to damage the reputation of David Langat.
Kebaso was released on a cash bail of sh.50,000.
Following his release, Kebaso encouraged his supporters to march to the Central Business District, where they celebrated with songs and anti-government chants.
He later recounted his 24-hour ordeal with his captors on social media, stating, “Asanteni sana.
I have learnt a lesson of love and passion.
Kenya will change. I believe it.”
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