Blogger Dennis Kiptoo Mutai was on Tuesday arrested in Kericho for allegedly threatening a repeat of post-election violence in 2022 through a social media post.
His arrest comes in the backdrop of a manhunt launched by the police after former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo shared the post on social media, tagging Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet, President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto.
The tweet claimed that the country would suffer worse violence compared to the 2007/08 one if the president does not support Ruto for the top office in 2022.
“If Uhuru betrays Ruto, then everyone should be prepared for the repeat of 2007/08. It is going to be the worst. Uhuru can’t take us for a ride,” read part of the tweet.
The National Police Service (NPS) later issued a statement warning the blogger.
“Our attention has been drawn to some tweets supposedly issued by the named individual issuing threats to ignite inter-ethnic clashes akin to what occurred in 2007/8 in parts of the country.
“Let it be known to all that we are taking these threats as a serious matter, and that we are working with the NCIC with a view to dealing with the persons involved in accordance with the law,” read a post by NPS.
National Cohesion and Integration Commission also posted that it had commenced investigations over Mutai’s comment with a view to taking action.
According to Kiptoo’s account, he claimed that he feared no person on earth other than DP Ruto.
“The only man I fear and respect on Earth is Hon Dr.William Ruto, I'd rather die before you touch William Ruto,” read a post by Kiptoo.
In 2007, Kenya suffered post-election violence that claimed lives of more than 1,100 lives.
