Security agencies in Embu County have summoned four bloggers accused of threatening former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his planned political visit. The move comes days after President William Ruto signed the controversial Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024 into law.
Authorities say the bloggers’ social media posts targeted Gachagua after he announced a campaign tour in support of Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Newton Kariuki, who is contesting the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election.
County Commissioner Jack Obuo confirmed on Thursday, November 13, that the bloggers were summoned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for questioning. He explained that the goal was to understand the motive behind their posts and determine whether prosecution would be necessary.
Security Agencies Move to Contain Online Attacks
According to Commissioner Obuo, the DCI is leading the probe to establish whether the bloggers’ messages contained criminal threats or were simply expressions of opinion. He emphasized that investigations are ongoing and no arrests have been made yet.
“We cannot prosecute anyone before we understand the context in which they gave those statements,” Obuo said. “From there, the DCI and police will decide whether prosecuting the four will be appropriate or if they will opt to open broader investigations.”
Sources within the county security team revealed that the bloggers allegedly posted inflammatory comments warning Gachagua against visiting Embu. Their posts reportedly gained traction online, prompting the intervention of national security agencies.
The threats emerged after Gachagua announced that he would campaign for Kariuki under the DCP banner, a move interpreted by some political observers as a challenge to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) influence in the region.
Controversial Cybercrime Law Fuels Political Tension
The summons come barely a month after President Ruto signed into law the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024. The new law has expanded the powers of the state to regulate online behavior, including communication that could allegedly incite violence or cause harm.
Under the amended law, anyone found guilty of communicating in a way that could lead to violence, property damage, or harm to an individual may face a fine of up to Ksh20 million, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.
While the government argues that the law will protect Kenyans from online harassment and defamation, critics have labeled it a dangerous tool for silencing dissent. Human rights groups and journalists have warned that it could be used to suppress political opponents and limit freedom of expression.
Digital rights activists also say the amendments grant sweeping powers to authorities, including the ability to block websites, remove content, or shut down online platforms deemed to be “disseminating harmful content.”
Public Concern Over DCI Surveillance on Bloggers
The summoning of the four bloggers has reignited fears that the government is using state agencies to monitor online conversations and intimidate critics. Many Kenyans have taken to social media to question whether the DCI’s involvement is a genuine security measure or a political maneuver.
Civil society groups argue that the growing trend of summoning social media users under the new law represents a shrinking space for free speech. They warn that such actions could discourage public participation in political debate and silence whistleblowers who expose corruption.
“The state is normalizing fear in digital spaces,” said a Nairobi-based activist. “Instead of protecting citizens from real cyber threats, the government is policing opinions.”
Gachagua, once a close ally of President Ruto, has been increasingly vocal about what he calls betrayal within the Kenya Kwanza administration. His campaign activities under the DCP have deepened political rifts in Mount Kenya, where loyalty to Ruto’s camp remains divided.
Security analysts say the Embu summons reflect broader efforts to control the political narrative ahead of the 2027 elections. They believe the state is using the new cyber law to rein in online activists who might influence public opinion.
A Broader Test for Digital Freedom in Kenya
The incident in Embu County marks one of the first major tests of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act since its signing. Observers say the outcome of the DCI’s investigation will set a precedent for how the government handles future online disputes involving political figures.
If the bloggers are prosecuted, it could embolden authorities to pursue more online users under similar circumstances. If cleared, it might highlight the growing tension between state control and digital freedom.
For now, the four bloggers remain under investigation, their social media accounts closely monitored. The DCI have not disclosed their identities, citing ongoing inquiries.
However, the message is clear—Kenya’s digital landscape is entering a new era of scrutiny. With the government citing security and decorum and critics decrying censorship and political intimidation, the line between regulation and repression is blurring fast.
