Activist Morara Kebaso Faces Cybercrime Charges for Posts on David Langat
Prominent lawyer-turned-activist Morara Kebaso was arrested on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, by detectives at his office in Kahawa Sukari, Nairobi. The arrest came after a series of online posts allegedly targeting businessman David Langat. Kebaso was later arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts, where the prosecution leveled serious charges against him.
According to the court documents, Kebaso is accused of cyber harassment, in violation of Section 27 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act. The prosecution alleged that on September 28, 2024, Kebaso, along with others who are yet to be apprehended, published false information about Langat through his social media account.
The charge sheet reads, “David Morara Kebaso alias Morara Kebaso Snr, on the 28th day of September 2024, at an unknown place within the Republic of Kenya, jointly with others not before the court, while using the X Corp Account dubbed @MoraraKebasoSnr, knowingly without lawful excuse, posted false information to wit…”
The specific content of the posts in question was not fully disclosed during the initial hearing. However, sources close to the case indicated that the posts could have been damaging to Langat’s reputation, leading to a formal complaint from his legal team. Prosecutors argue that Kebaso’s actions amounted to an unlawful attack on Langat’s character, carried out through a public platform with significant reach.
Kebaso’s legal defense team, on the other hand, argued that their client’s actions fell within the bounds of free speech. “Our client was merely exercising his constitutional right to express his views. We believe these charges are an overreach and aim to silence critical voices,” Kebaso’s lawyer stated in court. The defense team further emphasized that there was no intent to spread misinformation or incite harm.
The court released Kebaso on a cash bail of KSh 100,000, pending further investigations. His next hearing is scheduled for October 15, 2024, where both sides are expected to present more evidence.
As this case unfolds, it brings into focus the ongoing debate over cyber harassment laws and freedom of expression in Kenya.
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Activist Morara Kebaso Faces Cybercrime Charges for Posts on David Langat
