DCI Arrests Former Catholic Priest Over Alleged Social Media Posts Calling for Government Ouster
A former Catholic priest has been arrested by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over allegations that he used social media platforms to advocate for the removal of President William Ruto’s government through unlawful means.
The 44-year-old suspect was arrested on Monday, June 1, during a coordinated operation carried out by officers attached to the DCI Headquarters’ Operation Action Team (OAT) in Kirigiti, Kiambu County.
According to a statement issued by the DCI, investigators are probing claims that the former clergyman published content on his Facebook page allegedly outlining what authorities described as an elaborate plan aimed at destabilising the government.
Detectives claim the posts called for sustained nationwide demonstrations throughout the month of June, tax boycotts, attacks on selected public and private infrastructure, and the creation of what was described as a parallel administration structure.
“The suspect allegedly published inflammatory content advocating for an unlawful change of government through demonstrations, refusal to pay taxes, and destruction of critical infrastructure,” the DCI said.
The agency further stated that the online messages had crossed the line between constitutionally protected freedom of expression and incitement to actions that could undermine constitutional order.
In a revelation that has attracted public attention, investigators disclosed that the suspect is an ordained former Roman Catholic priest who later left the church and joined the Catholic Charismatic Church, a breakaway denomination that allows clergy to marry.
“In a twist that has left many astonished, the suspect is an ordained ex-Roman Catholic priest who later left the church and joined the Catholic Charismatic Church, a splinter group that permits ordained clergy to marry,” the DCI stated.
Following his arrest, the suspect was escorted to DCI headquarters before being handed over to officers attached to the Serious Crime Unit for further interrogation and processing.
Authorities indicated that he is expected to face charges under Section 40(1)(a)(iii) of the Penal Code, which criminalises attempts to unlawfully overthrow a legally constituted government.
The DCI also revealed that forensic experts are currently examining the social media content and other digital evidence as part of ongoing investigations ahead of possible prosecution.
The arrest comes barely two days after detectives apprehended a prominent social media influencer in Mombasa over the alleged dissemination of inflammatory online content.
According to the DCI, the two cases form part of an intensified crackdown on individuals accused of using digital platforms to spread messages that could incite violence, public disorder, or attacks on state institutions.
While reaffirming that freedom of expression remains a constitutional right, the investigative agency stressed that such freedoms must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of Kenyan law.
The latest arrest is likely to reignite debate over the balance between national security concerns and the protection of civil liberties, particularly as political tensions continue to rise ahead of planned anti-government demonstrations in various parts of the country.
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