This archive report was first published on 2 July 2019.
On June 17, 2019, a tragic explosion in Wajir County claimed the lives of several police officers. The incident sparked widespread outrage and grief. However, the publication of their photographs by blogger Robert Alai has now landed him in serious trouble.
According to a report published on July 2, 2019, Mr. Alai was charged with two counts of treachery and disclosure of information by the state. The charges carry a life sentence penalty upon conviction.
Mr. Alai, who appeared before Nairobi Chief Magistrate Francis Andayi, denied the charges. He was, however, told that the case is serious and will be heard on August 8, 2019.
It is worth noting that Mr. Alai's co-accused, prison warder Safari Robert, was released. Mr. Alai was charged with intent to help Al-Shabaab terrorists by publishing the photos of the slain officers on his Twitter account.
He was also accused of prejudicing investigations by publishing information about the slain officers on his Twitter account.
On his lawyer's request, Mr. Andayi ordered Anti-Terrorism Police Unit officers to escort Mr. Alai to a Kenya Commercial Bank outlet to withdraw money to post his Sh300,000 bail.
