A blogger has been charged before a Nairobi court with publishing false information on social media platforms allegedly targeting Mwingi Central MP Gideon Mulyungi and the Kitui County Assembly.
Kitovoto Mutinda, was arraigned before Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego where he denied six counts of publishing false information contrary to Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018.
According to the charge sheet filed in court by the DPP, the 34-year-old blogger is accused of intentionally publishing false and misleading information across several WhatsApp forums, groups and online platforms associated with the radio brand "Kinuko 96.5 FM" between August 9 and September 8, 2024.
Among the statements cited in the charges are allegations implicating MP Mulyungi in a purported multi-million shilling tender scandal.
The court heard that these messages were reportedly circulated in several WhatsApp groups, including Kitui Leaders Council, Kitui Professional Forum, Proposed Mwingi Municipality, and Mwingi Political Forum.
The prosecution told the court that Mutinda's posts were not only false but intended to mislead the public and tarnish the reputation of elected officials.
"The accused used WhatsApp groups with large followings and online platforms linked to radio broadcasting to spread harmful falsehoods with the aim of stirring public distrust and inflaming political tensions in Kitui County," the state prosecutor told the court.
Mutinda, who appeared in court unrepresented, pleaded not guilty to all the criminal charges.
In her ruling on bond terms, Magistrate Alego ordered that the accused be released on a bond of Sh500,000 or cash bail of Sh 250,000 with two contact persons
The matter will be mentioned again on September 3, 2025 for mention and further directions.
The prosecution has listed witnesses in the case, including the MP, Lucy Waema, Simon Ngala Syengo, and Augustus Maithya Kyenze.