Aston Lukoye
- A man is accused of spreading a fake image suggesting the death of President William Ruto.
- The image showed a casket with the Kenyan flag, escorted by military officers.
- Mokaya, the accused, pleaded not guilty and was released on bail.
- The case highlights growing concerns about spreading false information online.
A man named Mokaya has appeared in court for allegedly sharing a fake image online suggesting that President William Ruto had died. The image, which showed a casket draped in the Kenyan flag being escorted by military officers, caused alarm and raised questions about misinformation on social media.
The fake image was accompanied by a fabricated caption designed to make the post seem real. Authorities said the actions aimed to mislead the public and tarnish the image of national leadership
Mokaya was charged with spreading false information about the president. He denied the charges and was granted bond terms of Ksh 100,000 or an alternative cash bail of Ksh 50,000.
The court, led by Senior Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhumbi, emphasized how serious the allegations were, noting the harm such misinformation could cause to the president and the country.
This case has sparked conversations about the need for stricter online content regulation. With the rise of social media, the spread of false or harmful information has become a major concern. Authorities are now working to hold those who misuse digital platforms accountable.
The case against Mokaya will be mentioned again on December 4, 2024. As legal proceedings continue, it has brought attention to the challenges of regulating online content and preventing the spread of fake news in Kenya.
