X user faces prosecution over ‘derogatory messages’ targeting President Ruto
The prosecution argues that the posts have sparked widespread public backlash and are viewed as a threat to national unity and stability.
Titus Wekesa Sifuna appeared before the Milimani Law Courts on Tuesday in relation to a miscellaneous application.
The prosecution has applied for him to be held in custody for seven days to enable the police to wrap up their investigations.
According to the court, Sifuna is alleged to have used his X account, registered under the handle @5thethief and the username "I must go" to share content considered defamatory towards the President and members of his family.
The prosecution argues that the posts have sparked widespread public backlash and are viewed as a threat to national unity and stability.
The court was informed that the material circulated, including texts and photos, constitutes hate speech and may provoke ethnic tensions within the community.
Additionally, it was claimed that Sifuna modified the account’s profile image to feature the Head of State, a move authorities argue is deceptive and potentially damaging.
According to the prosecution, "The content shared through the X account presents a grave risk to the nation’s image, as the President represents the unity of the country and must be treated with dignity and respect by all citizens."