An administrator of a WhatsApp group has been detained for five days by a Malindi Court.
Resident Magistrate Yvonne Khatambi allowed detectives to detain Japheth Mulewa who was accused of sharing hate messages through the social platform.
“The written material distributed through the WhatsApp groups would cause panic to the members of the public during this electioneering period,” Police Constable James Muyes stated in a sworn affidavit.
“The accused is also required by detectives in Mombasa over a similar offence,” he added.
Mr Muyes stated that he needed more time to retrieve information from the suspect’s mobile phone that has been forwarded to cybercrime unit for data analysis.
Prosecution Counsel Alice Mathangani argued that the suspect might escape if released on bond since he is facing a serious offence under the National Cohesion and Integration (NCIC) Act.
On Saturday, the admin of Kajiado Unity of Purpose WhatsApp group was arrested for spreading false information.
Longton Jamil was picked by CID officers in Kitengela and detained at Isinya Police station.
Kajiado County Commissioner Harsama Kello confirmed the arrest noting that Jamil would be charged in court on Monday.
"He was spreading alarming propaganda on social media including disturbing pictures of dead people," Mr Kello stated.
He added, "We warn to warn people who misuse media to create anarchy that their days are numbered."
