DCI Arrests Facebook User Over Alleged Online Incitement, Ethnic Hostility

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 28 — The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested a Facebook user over allegations of publishing inflammatory online content containing threats, incitement to violence and ethnic targeting ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The suspect, identified as William Ochieng, was arrested in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) following investigations into alleged posts targeting members of the Kikuyu community living in the Rift Valley region.

According to the DCI, Ochieng operates a Facebook account under the name “William Jahome” and is alleged to have published messages calling on members of the community to leave the region ahead of the next General Election.

Detectives from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), working alongside the Operations Action Team at DCI headquarters, conducted investigations that led to his arrest.

He was subsequently escorted to DCI headquarters for further processing and remains in custody pending arraignment in court.

The arrest comes as security agencies raise concerns about the potential use of social media platforms to spread inflammatory messages and heighten ethnic tensions ahead of the August 2027 General Election.

The DCI cautioned members of the public against using digital platforms to publish threats, incite violence or promote hostility against particular ethnic communities.

The Directorate said it remained committed to protecting lives, maintaining public order and safeguarding national security as the country prepares for the elections.

It further warned that individuals found engaging in unlawful online activities would face action in accordance with the law.

The allegations against Ochieng have yet to be determined in court. He remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.