DCI Arrests TikTok Influencer Over Alleged Anti-Non-Muslim Incitement as Kenya Intensifies Crackdown on Online Hate Speech
A 25-year-old TikTok content creator has been charged after allegedly publishing a video deemed to incite hatred against non-Muslims, in a case that underscores Kenya’s growing efforts to curb inflammatory online content ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that the suspect was arrested on May 16 after investigators concluded inquiries into the viral social media post. Following the completion of investigations, the case file was forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which approved criminal charges against the accused.
According to the DCI, prosecutors sanctioned charges under Section 62(1) of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, which prohibits the publication or use of words, statements or material intended to stir up contempt, hatred or discrimination against individuals or groups based on race or ethnicity.
The ODPP also approved charges under Section 27 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, which criminalises cyber harassment, including the intentional use of electronic communication that causes fear of violence or is likely to result in harm.
Investigators allege that the accused, who commands thousands of followers on TikTok, used the platform to distribute content considered capable of promoting hostility toward non-Muslims.
The suspect was arraigned in court on July 2, where he pleaded not guilty to both charges.
The court subsequently released him on a bond of Ksh500,000 or an alternative cash bail of Ksh200,000. The matter is scheduled for pre-trial mention on July 20.
Growing concern over online incitement
The prosecution comes at a time when Kenyan authorities are intensifying surveillance of online platforms amid concerns over the spread of hate speech, religious intolerance and ethnically charged content on social media.
Security agencies have repeatedly warned that digital platforms with large audiences can rapidly amplify inflammatory messages capable of undermining national cohesion, particularly as political activity begins to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Authorities have maintained that freedom of expression must be exercised within the limits of the law and should not be used to incite violence, discrimination or hostility against any community.
Similar cases
The latest prosecution follows another high-profile case earlier this year in which the DCI arrested a Member of County Assembly (MCA) aspirant over an allegedly inflammatory video that circulated widely on social media.
The aspirant denied the charges when arraigned before the Kahawa Law Courts and was released on a cash bail of Ksh200,000 or a bond of Ksh1 million with a similar surety as the case proceeds through the courts.
The DCI says such prosecutions demonstrate its commitment to combating hate speech and ensuring that social media platforms are not exploited to spread messages capable of threatening public peace and national unity.
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