DCI Begins arrests of those spreading false Information
Following the warning on persons spreading false information in the media, the Directorate of Criminal Investigation has started the arrests of the perpetrators. On Sunday 15 March the DCI announced that they had arrested one suspect by the name Elijah Muthui Kitonyo for spreading false information on Coronavirus outbreak.
The 23 year old was arrested in Mwingi for publishing misleading and alarming information on Coronavirus.
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“Elijah Muthui Kitonyo aged 23 years has been arrested in Mwingi for publishing misleading and alarming information on Corona virus” DCI Stated.
The government had warned the citizens on misinforming the public on the deadly Coronavirus. The government had promised that should anyone be found doing so, they risk prosecution.
Muthui is said to have violated the 2018 law of Computer Misuse and cyber crimes on publication of false information last week.
The law states that a person who knowingly publishes information that is false in print, broadcast, data or over a computer system, that is calculated or results in panic, chaos, or violence among citizens of the Republic, or which is likely to discredit the reputation of a person, commits an offense and shall on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding five million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years, or to both.
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Elijah will be charged for publishing false information that is calculated or results in panic contrary to section 23 of the Computer Misuse. DCI have stated
“ He will be charged for publishing false information that is calculated or results in panic contrary to section 23 of the Computer Misuse…” Read the Statement
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“…. 23. A person who knowingly publishes information that is false in print, broadcast, data or over a computer system, that is calculated or results in panic, chaos, or violence among citizens of the Republic, or which is likely to discredit the reputation of a person… commits an offence and shall on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding five million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years, or to both.” The DCI stated.
