Blogger charged with undermining Kenyatta

Blogger Robert Alai in a Nairobi court during the hearing of a case yesterday. COURTESY PHOTO

What you need to know:

Robert Alai was charged with undermining the authority of a public officer contrary to Section 132 of the Penal Code.

Nairobi- Blogger Robert Alai was yesterday charged in a Kiambu court with undermining President Uhuru Kenyatta in a post on Twitter.

Mr Alai was freed on bond and warned by the magistrate not to post on Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp or any other publication any content that is similar to the subject before the court.

Mr Alai, who was arrested on Monday, denied the charge read out to him by Principal Magistrate Diana Mochache and was freed on bond of Sh300, 000 (Shs9m) with an alternative of a Sh200,000 (Shs6m) cash bail.
The blogger was charged with undermining the authority of a public officer contrary to Section 132 of the Penal Code.

The charge stated that on December 13, he posted on his Twitter account: “Insulting Raila is what Uhuru can do. He hasn’t realised the value of the presidency. Adolescent President. This seat needs maturity’.

The charge stated that the post was circulated with an aim to bring into contempt the lawful authority of President of the republic of Kenya.
His lawyers led by Siaya Senator James Orengo successfully opposed an application by the state to have the accused denied bail until the case is heard and determined.

The State Counsel had in an affidavit alleged that Mr Alai is likely to repeat the same offence if released on bond as has similar pending cases.
The prosecution also said the investigations are still under way and there is likelihood that more charged will be preferred against Mr Alai.

Ms Mochache ruled that the case is sensitive because it involves the President but faulted the prosecution of failing to adduce satisfactory grounds for the accused to be remanded.

She said the State Council failed to explained how Mr Alai will continue making such posts and disclose what other charges he is likely to face. The case will be heard on February 16 next year.
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