This archive report was first published on 14 November 2019.
On July 10, 2018, Noah Keino, an administrator of the 'Tanga Tanga Movement group', received a message informing him that he had been added to the group. The group was formed after a suggestion by Paul Musyimi, and Keino was given admin rights two days later.
Keino, a researcher at the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (Kirdi) in Eldoret, explained that the group had good intentions when it was started. However, things took a turn when a letter alleging a plot to assassinate Deputy President William Ruto was posted in the group on June 20, 2019.
According to Keino, the letter gave an indication that it had been penned by a Cabinet Secretary and included writings that had been cancelled with blue ink. Pauline Njoroge, a member of the group, immediately commented and said the letter was fake.
However, the letter caused a stir in the group, and two members exited after news came in that Dennis Itumbi, the State House Director of Digital and Media, had been arrested because of the letter. Keino testified that he has never met Itumbi in person and only knew him from social media posts.
Itumbi is facing three counts, including making a false document without authority, publishing a false statement, and reprogramming a mobile phone. He has denied the charges, and the hearing will continue in January 2020.
