Activist Morara Kebaso Arrested Again, Hours After Public Attack

The activist and former lawyer David Morara Kebaso was reportedly arrested again by the police on Tuesday, October 8.

Kebaso himself has confirmed his arrest through a post on the social media platform X. His legal representative, Pareno Solonka, reports that the activist was taken into custody around 11 am and forcibly placed into a Subaru vehicle, a type commonly associated with officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Solonka expresses concern over the situation, stating that the reasons for Kebaso's detention and his destination were initially unknown. However, it was later confirmed that Kebaso had been transported to Langata Police Station. The activist's wife Mercy Morara also corroborated the arrest on social media.

This incident occurred shortly after Kebaso attended a public participation event regarding a special motion to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. During the event, Kebaso was subjected to a violent attack, sustaining injuries to his head, neck, and legs after an unidentified group threw chairs at him. The hostile reception forced him to leave the proceedings prematurely. Kebaso's previous arrest, which took place the previous Monday evening, involved masked police officers. He was subsequently presented in court facing allegations of cyber-harassment.

This earlier incident sparked considerable public outrage, particularly in Nairobi where he was initially held. During that time, Solonka reported that Kebaso was held incommunicado, with officers claiming to be following "orders from above." At just 28 years old, Kebaso has amassed a substantial following on social media platforms. His popularity stems largely from his outspoken criticisms of alleged corruption and the misappropriation of public funds through questionable or stalled projects. The confiscation of his phones and laptop during his previous arrest intensified concerns about his safety and the motivations behind his detention.

The state prosecutor has accused Kebaso of damaging the reputation of businessman David Langat in a social media post that also mentioned President William Ruto. These legal troubles began when Kebaso was charged with cyber harassment under Kenya's Misuse and Cybercrimes Act. The charges allege that he posted false information claiming President Ruto had deceived Langat into lending him a significant sum of money with a promise of repayment. Kebaso's legal team contested these charges as defective, resulting in his release on a cash bail of Sh 50,000. The manner in which Kebaso has been arrested has drawn criticism from various quarters.

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka condemns the arbitrary nature of the arrests, arguing that such actions undermine the government's legitimacy. Human rights organizations, including Haki Africa, have also voiced concerns and emphasised the need for transparency and due process in handling such cases. Earlier this year, youth-led anti-government protests highlighted growing discontent among the population, particularly regarding corruption and the misuse of public funds. Kebaso's activism has resonated with many young Kenyans who view him as a champion for justice and transparency.