Teacher Faces Ten-Year Jail Term or Sh5 Million Fine for Mocking President Ruto.
A teacher is facing possible imprisonment of up to ten years or a Sh5 million fine after being accused of impersonating President William Ruto on social media. Authorities allege the suspect used the President’s image as a profile picture and operated under the username I Must Go on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Titus Wekesa Sifuna is accused of managing the handle @Thief_5th to spread offensive and inflammatory content. Court filings indicate that Sifuna is set to be charged under Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018 for publishing false and harmful information.
The law stipulates that any individual who knowingly publishes false information via broadcast, print, or digital platforms that incites fear, disrupts peace, or harms reputations is guilty of an offense. Upon conviction, such an individual is subject to a penalty not exceeding Sh5 million, a prison term of up to ten years, or both.
Investigating officer Peter Mwangi confirmed the matter reached the DCI through an intelligence report. He reported that an unidentified person had been posting disrespectful messages and images targeting the President and his family. These posts, published under the pseudonym Thief 5th, were found to be generating reactions that threatened national stability.
Mwangi revealed in court that the account was linked to a company called Umbrella Trex Solution, believed to be associated with the suspect. The posts were considered damaging to the image of the Presidency, which symbolizes national unity.
Hate Speech and Public Disorder Concerns
The court heard that preliminary findings classified the content as hate speech with potential to provoke ethnic tensions among citizens. The police therefore sought to detain the teacher for seven days at Capitol Hill police station to allow further investigations. A court decision on the detention application is expected on Wednesday.
Investigators said Sifuna also used the social media account to market services, including offers for customized logos. He reportedly provided a phone number for business inquiries, which authorities used to trace his identity. Information from the National Registration Bureau, obtained through this number, confirmed his identity, leading to his arrest on April 18 in Bungoma.
During the remand period, police plan to analyze the suspect’s digital devices, including phones, laptops, and external storage. They also aim to obtain certified records from the X platform to verify activity linked to the account.
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Investigators intend to escort Sifuna to his residence in Msambweni, Kwale County, to collect further evidence. According to authorities, the X account frequently indicated activity originating from that area.
The investigating officer noted that the teacher spends significant time in Kwale County, where he claims to be volunteering. As his exact residence remains unclear, police argue that he poses a flight risk.
Teacher Faces Ten-Year Jail Term or Sh5 Million Fine for Mocking President Ruto.
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