The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is seeking to arrest controversial blogger Francis Gaitho in connection with what they term his contravention of various cybercrime laws.
In a notice shared on Thursday, January 2, the investigative body said Gaitho was wanted. “Wanted Francis Ng’ang’a Gaitho is wanted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for various criminal activities,” read the notice in part.
According to the directorate, Gaitho was previously charged with cybercrime offences, which are still pending in court.
“The suspect had been charged with the offence of publishing false information in violation of Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act (Case No. CR E738/24). He absconded a court session on December 4, 2024, which resulted in the issuance of a warrant of arrest by the Milimani Law Courts,” the DCI explained.
Police officers outside the DCI Headquarters along Kiambu Road.
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DCI
The DCI also added that Gaitho was put on its wanted list for sharing information about a civil officer contrary to the Cyber Crimes Act.
“He is also under investigation for sharing personal information of a senior public officer and publishing false information contrary to Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act against other Kenyan citizens,” the directorate added.
DCI noted that Gaitho will face multiple counts of cyber harassment for a post in which he disparaged a senior government official.
According to the agency, the above files are pending perusal and advice by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
DCI has further called on Kenyans who have any information that could lead to Gaitho’s arrest to volunteer. “If you have any information that may lead to the prompt arrest of the suspect, please call our toll-free hotline at 0800 722 203 anonymously or report to the nearest police station,” DCI appealed.
On the other hand, Gaitho confirmed he would avail himself at the DCI headquarters on Monday, January 7. He went to defend himself stating, “I’m not a criminal. I’m not a murderer. I’m not a capital offender. I just tweet. Freedom of speech is a constitutional entitlement and I exercise it to the best of my ability.”
Gaitho, who is a political commentator, has been vocal in the recent past in calling out corrupt government officials.
The notice to arrest Gaitho comes barely two months after his arrest on October 24, in which he was later released without being charged.
Gaitho who also doubles as a social media influencer has amassed a huge following. It waits to be seen how his case will unfold.
Social media personality Francis Gaitho.
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