A Kenyan student, Alan Wadi Okeng'o, has been sentenced to 2 years in prison for posting hate messages on Facebook that insulted President Uhuru Kenyatta. The sentence includes one year without the option of a fine and another year with the option of a 200,000 Kenyan shilling fine.
According to reports, Wadi, a student at Moi University, was arrested at the Busia border while attempting to cross into Uganda. In court, he admitted to posting the offending messages and apologized to the President, citing a mental disorder. Wadi expressed a desire to meet and apologize to President Kenyatta in person.
The sentencing took place in a magistrate court, where Wadi was present alone. This contrasts with the crowded courtroom of another high-profile case happening simultaneously upstairs, involving CORD leaders and supporters.
Wahome Thuku, who followed the court proceedings, noted the solitude of Wadi during his sentencing, drawing a parallel between entertaining masses with hate speech on social media and facing judgment alone.
