The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested a man accused of publishing social media posts containing hate speech and ethnic contempt.
Justin Kinyua Mwangi was arrested on Tuesday, August 4, in Wang’uru Town, Mwea, Kirinyaga County, following investigations by detectives from DCI headquarters.
According to the investigative agency, Mwangi administers a Facebook account under the name Justin Kinyua, where he describes himself as a political storyteller and digital strategist.
Detectives accuse him of using the platform to publish content they say could promote ethnic hostility and undermine national cohesion.
Mwangi is expected to be arraigned in court on Wednesday, August 5, to face charges under the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
The DCI said he would be charged with hate speech and ethnic contempt, offences provided for under Sections 13 and 62 of the Act respectively.
The specific posts that led to the arrest were not immediately made public. It was also not clear whether investigators had seized any electronic devices belonging to the suspect as part of the probe.
In a statement announcing the arrest, the DCI warned social media users against using digital platforms to spread hatred or inflame ethnic tensions.
“Freedom of expression is a constitutional right, but it is not a license to sow division, incite hatred or threaten national stability,” DCI said in the statement.
It added that individuals who misuse online platforms to undermine peace and cohesion would be held accountable.
“Those who abuse digital platforms to undermine peace and cohesion will face the full force of the law without exception,” the DCI said.
Mwangi’s arrest comes amid growing scrutiny of political and ethnic content shared online as the country moves closer to the August 2027 General Election.
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