Popular blogger Francis Gaitho was arraigned before a Milimani court on Thursday and charged with publishing false information related to the Kware killings case.
Gaitho is accused of disseminating false information and cyber harassment through his tweet about the Kware killings.
According to the charge sheet, on July 15, 2024, at around 2 PM, while at an unknown location, he used his X social media account @FGaitho237 to intentionally publish false information. He claimed that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had released the names and photos of Jomaisu Khalisia as the so-called serial killer in the Kware Dumpsite.
It is further alleged that his tweet implied there were no public records of the alleged serial killer’s name as published by the DCI. Cross-referencing the image on X revealed that the correct name of the suspect was Jairus Onkundi, a graduate from Meru University of Science and Technology.
Gaitho reportedly went on to state that government propagandists, such as @ItsMutai and The Star Kenya, were running unverified names, which he claimed did not appear anywhere on social media.
“It’s a desperate move meant to pacify the restless masses who have demanded that Ruto must vacate office because he cannot kill us and lead us. The Githurai and Rongai massacres are being supported by the corrupt mainstream and international media,” the charge sheet states.
Gaitho denied the charges before Magistrate Robinson Ondieki. Through his lawyer, John Khaminwa, he requested the court release him on reasonable bail terms.
He was released on a cash bail of Sh 30,000.
