Breaking News: Man Detained for Publishing Hoax Photo of President Ruto’s Funeral
A Kenyan man, Benson Maroba Ashiku, was arrested on January 24, 2025, in Bungoma for allegedly sharing a fabricated funeral announcement of President William Ruto. The post, dated January 18, 2025, was widely circulated on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), and is considered false and misleading.
Ashiku was transferred to Nairobi and is currently detained at Muthaiga Police Station. On January 27, 2025, during a court appearance, Chief Magistrate Susan Shitumbi ordered his detention for four days to allow police to complete their investigations. If the investigations are not concluded by then, Ashiku may be released on a cash bail of Ksh 30,000 or an alternative bond of Ksh 50,000.
The prosecution has charged Ashiku with publishing false information, a violation of Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act. The police have requested a 14-day detention order to examine Ashiku’s electronic devices and finalize their investigations.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in combating the spread of misinformation on social media platforms and underscores the importance of responsible online behavior.
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