Suspect Charged with Publishing Fake Story on Matiang'i Covid-19 Infection

A Kenyan Facebook user accused of publishing false information about Interior CS Fred Matiang’i’s Covid-19 status has been arraigned in court. 

Isaac Kibet appeared before a Nairobi court on Monday, where was charged with publication of false information contrary to section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.

The charge sheet read that the accused made a post on Facebook claiming that CS Matiang’i was admitted at Aga Khan Hospital ICU battling Covid-19.

He is said to have committed the offense on diverse dates between July 23rd and 24th at an unknown place within the Republic of Kenya.

The court allowed police to hold the accused person for two more days to allow the completion of investigations.

Kibet was arrested in Ngeria, Uasin Gishu County on Saturday by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). He was arrested alongside his brother, who was later set free.

Police confiscated a laptop and mobile phone linked to the publication of the social media post during the arrest.

The arrest came a day after Matiang’i filed a complaint with the DCI over the false reports that he says have affected his family. 

“I feel for my family. My innocent wife and children who have their own lives to live but they have to endure this kind of rumors. They are private citizens who have to pay a heavy price because one of them is in public service,” Matiang’i said.

“If I was sick of Covid-19 I will be the first to go public with it because there is nothing to hide. I have been tested three times because our level of exposure is high because of high interactions.”