NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 28 — The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has appealed to the public to assist in the arrest of a man suspected of committing “various cybercrime offences within the Republic of Kenya.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the DCI said the suspect, whose photograph has been circulated to the public is wanted for alleged violations of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
The agency announced that a substantial reward will be offered to anyone who provides credible information leading to his apprehension.
” A significant reward will be provided to anyone with credible information leading to the suspect’s arrest,” DCI said.
Members of the public have been urged to share any information on the suspect’s whereabouts with the DCI.
The appeal comes as courts continue to handle high-profile cases linked to alleged misuse of online platforms.
One such case involves Atheists Society of Kenya founder Harrison Mumia, who is accused of publishing false information online in connection with remarks and images about President William Ruto.
Mumia was arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts on January 5 and charged under Section 22 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, which criminalises the publication or circulation of false, misleading, or fictitious information likely to cause public alarm or undermine confidence in public institutions.
Prosecutors allege that Mumia circulated content on various social media platforms falsely portraying the Head of State as deceased, material authorities say was capable of causing fear, panic, or unrest.
He denied the charges and pleaded not guilty.
The case is being heard before Chief Magistrate Dolphina Alego, who granted Mumia release on Sh500,000 cash bail or a Sh1 million bond, pending further directions.
According to court documents, the prosecution maintains that the disputed images and statements were widely shared online before authorities intervened, and that investigations are still ongoing.
Mumia had been held by DCI detectives for four days before being presented in court, a move that attracted criticism from civil liberties groups and free speech advocates.
Through his lawyers, he has dismissed the accusations, arguing that the charges amount to an abuse of cybercrime laws that have previously faced constitutional challenges over alleged infringement on freedom of expression.
His defence team has indicated it may challenge both the constitutionality of the charges and the manner of his arrest and detention as the case proceeds.
