Free Him Now! Kenyans Demand Release of Student in Ruto Casket Image Scandal
Kenyans are demanding the release of Moi University student David Mokaya, who has been accused of creating and sharing AI-generated images depicting President William Ruto inside a casket.
Social media has erupted in solidarity, with netizens rallying behind Mokaya under the trending hashtag #DropDavidMokayaCharges.
Many argue that the student is neither a criminal nor a threat to national security, but rather a young citizen calling for accountability. His supporters believe that his prosecution is a targeted attempt to suppress dissent.
Reports indicate that Mokaya, a fourth-year student, is set to face a full trial for allegedly posting misleading images of the president on his X account. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed that no official request had been made to review the charges, reinforcing concerns that he remains in legal jeopardy.
Legal Battle and Defense Strategy
Mokaya, through his legal representatives, had previously sought a review of the charges and even requested that President Ruto testify in court. His lawyer, Danstan Omari, has accused the government of using the case to intimidate citizens critical of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
According to court documents obtained by local media, the AI-generated image allegedly depicted a military procession escorting a casket draped in the Kenyan flag. The caption accompanying the image was deemed misleading, further fueling the state’s case against the student.
Omari, during the court proceedings, criticized the state for what he described as an ongoing effort to silence voices of opposition. He argued that freedom of expression is under threat and warned that Mokaya’s prosecution sets a dangerous precedent for digital content creators and activists.
Public Outcry and Online Solidarity
The case has triggered a wave of online protests, with many Kenyans condemning the government’s response. Twitter users have voiced their concerns, emphasizing that Mokaya’s only ‘crime’ was exercising his right to free speech.
Kot Socha, a vocal social media user, urged others to amplify the student’s plight:
“This is our fellow tweep, and I don’t expect anyone to skip men. RT to make it loud. #DropDavidMokayaCharges.”
Another user, Philo, called for justice, stating:
“He is just a young Kenyan demanding accountability. #DropDavidMokayaCharges.”
Similarly, Dr. John Njenga joined the chorus of support:
“Let this gentleman go. #DropDavidMokayaCharges.”
I am Chege also expressed frustration:
“David Mokaya is not a criminal. This is a young man who is being fought for exercising his freedom of speech. Reply to every post on X with #DropDavidMokayaCharges.”
Mary Njoroge echoed the sentiments of many Kenyans who feel disillusioned by the government:
“He is just a young man who felt disappointed by the regime like all of us. #DropDavidMokayaCharges.”
Meanwhile, Dan Chepta defended Mokaya, asserting:
“David Mokaya, aka Landlord, did not murder or rob anyone. He only posted a picture. A picture does not emulate reality. It is content.”
A user going by the name Assassin invoked a previous case in which public outcry led to the release of another activist:
“Just like we did for Nduta, we must do it for Landlord Bozgabi. He ain’t a criminal, just a human rights activist. #DropCaseAgainstLandlord. #DropDavidMokayaCharges.”
The Bigger Picture
Mokaya’s case has reignited discussions about digital freedoms and government censorship. Many critics argue that Kenya’s authorities are increasingly weaponizing cyber laws to clamp down on dissenting voices. With AI technology advancing rapidly, legal experts warn that such cases could set worrying precedents for freedom of speech and artistic expression in the digital age.
For now, Mokaya remains in legal limbo as Kenyans continue to demand his freedom. Whether the ODPP will reconsider the case remains uncertain, but public pressure is mounting.
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Free Him Now! Kenyans Demand Release of Student in Ruto Casket Image Scandal
