Kenyan lawyer and activist Morara Kebaso has been arrested over cyber harrassment, an incident that has drawn widespread public uproar and criticism.
During his arrest, the police confiscated Morara’s phones and laptop, raising further concerns about the motives behind the detention.
His lawyer, Pareno Solonka, confirmed the arrest, expressing concerns that Morara had been taken incommunicado and that officers refused to provide any explanation, simply stating they were “acting on orders from above.”
According to the charges, he is accused by the state prosecutor of tarnishing the reputation of businessman, David Langat, in an X post that also mentioned President William Ruto.
His arrest comes barely three months after a series of youth-led anti-government demonstrations against controversial proposed tax hikes, which called for accountability and transparency from the government. Social media users and his supporters view his detention as part of the broader crackdown on political activists who dare to speak out against the government.
Further, the case has sparked an ongoing debate about freedom of speech in Kenya and the use of cyber-harassment laws to target dissenting voices. Activists argue that such laws should not be used to suppress legitimate criticisms of public officials and institutions, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for the future of civic engagement in the country.