Activist and Atheists in Kenya Founder, Harrison Mumia was charged at the Milimani Law Courts following his arrest by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over allegations of publishing false information about President William Ruto on social media.
Mumia was arraigned in court on 5 January 2026, after his arrest on 2nd January 2026, and charged with False Publications contrary to Section 22(1) of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018. The prosecution alleges that the offence was committed on 30 December 2025, while Mumia was at an unknown location within Kenya.
According to charge sheets presented in court, Mumia is accused of knowingly publishing false information through several social media accounts, including Facebook and Instagram. Prosecutors claim that he used a Facebook account under the pseudonym Robinson Kipruto Ngetich as well as an Instagram account bearing the username @harrisonmumia to circulate images depicting President Ruto lying on a bed.
The prosecution alleges that the images falsely portrayed the President as critically ill or deceased, information investigators say Mumia knew to be false at the time of publication. The charge sheet lists multiple counts, each tied to separate posts shared on the same day, with investigators relying on digital evidence to support the charges.
The investigations were conducted by the Serious Crimes Unit at DCI Headquarters, with digital forensics experts listed among the witnesses expected to testify during the trial.
When the matter came up for plea, Mumia pleaded not guilty to all charges. The case was placed before Hon. Dolphina Alego, who granted bond set at Kshs. 1,000,000, pending the hearing and determination of the case.
The prosecution is being led by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) on behalf of the State. The matter is scheduled for mention for further directions as the court process continues.
The case is among several prosecutions brought under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, which regulates the use of digital platforms and online communication in Kenya.