Isaac Kibet, 33, one of the suspects arrested for publishing false news alleging that Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i had been admitted at the Aga Khan Hospital battling Covid-19 will be detained for two more days at the Muthaiga Police Station in order to give room for the police to complete investigations into his case.
Kibet, was Monday arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts earlier today and charged with publishing the false social media post. The prosecution then asked the court for at least 14 working days to complete the investigations. “The nature of investigations will require the investigators to get reports from forensic experts since some of his gadgets have been seized,” the prosecution said.
The prosecution team led by Jacinta Nyamosi further argued that the forensic experts needed time to prepare a report and releasing the suspect would likely interfere with evidence as he would tamper with his Facebook and Twitter accounts.
However, Milimani’s Chief magistrate Martha Mutuku, declined to hold the freelance journalist for 14 days stating they were too many given the prosecution already had the suspect’s gadgets.
Kibet was arrested together with 19-year-old Emanuel Kimutai Kosgei on July 25 in Ngeria area, Uasin Gishu County by detectives from the DCI, a laptop and two mobile phones that were used in publishing and disseminating the information were also confiscated.
While announcing the arrest, the DCI condemned the act and warned Kenyans of committing a similar offense as the law would come down on them for going against the law as provided under the Communication Act.
“calculated, choreographed, planned, coordinated, conspired panic, apprehension, shock, devastation, etc. that may have far-reaching consequences not limited to sudden risks to life,” said the DCI.
On the 24th of July, CS Matiangi dismissed the claims that he had tested positive for Covid-19. “If I was sick of Covid-19, I will be the first to go public with it because there is nothing to hide. I have been tested three times because our level of exposure is high because of high interactions.
“I am not made of metal; neither are my colleagues. We are human beings who get sick all the time because we are not heavenly. We go to the hospital all the time…” he said.
The CS further stated that such rumors were bringing distress upon his family and asked the DCI to take action.
“I feel for my family. My innocent wife and children have their own lives to live but they have to endure this kind of rumors. They are private citizens who have to pay a heavy price because one of them is in public service… I have told the DCI and the Inspector General of Police and they are trying to investigate. We hope that we shall get to the bottom of the situation,” he had stated.
