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David Morara Kebaso's lawyers reject cyber-harassment charges against him

A Kenyan lawyer and activist has appeared in court in connection with alleged cyber-harassment a day after he was dramatically arrested in the capital, Nairobi, sparking public anger.

David Morara Kebaso has attracted a huge following on social media for his posts about alleged corruption and the misuse of public funds through fictitious or stalled projects.

The 28-year-old was arrested Monday evening by masked police who confiscated his phones and laptop before driving him away, local media reported.

He is accused by the state prosecutor of tarnishing the reputation of businessman, David Langat, in an X post that also mentioned President William Ruto.

His arrest comes nearly three months after youth-led anti-government demonstrations against controversial proposed tax hikes, which turned deadly.

More than 50 people were killed and dozens others were reported missing in June's protests that forced President Ruto to abandon the tax legislation and sack almost his entire cabinet.

Mr Kebaso, who describes himself on social media as "bold and fearless", has in recent months rattled government officials through his nationwide campaign of documenting stalled government projects and demanding accountability for wasted public funds.

He has been doing so by recording short videos and sharing them on social media, attracting sharp reactions.

His online activism has attracted more than 200,000 followers on his X account, with some fundraising to support his activities.

He was picked up by police from his office in the Kahawa Sukari area, on the outskirts of Nairobi, and spent a night in a cell before appearing in court on Tuesday.

Several activists and lawyers who rushed to the Nairobi regional police headquarters to see him said they were denied access to Mr Kebaso and then tear-gassed.

The hashtag #FreeMoraraKebaso has been trending on social media since last night as Kenyans online called for his release.

The state prosecutor laid a cyber-harassment charge against Mr Kebaso for allegedly posting false information on social media about Mr Langat.

However, the activist failed to plead to the charge after his lawyers dismissed it as defective.

His lawyers said the charges constituted a civil claim for compensation, since the complainant alleged defamation and not cyber-harassment.

But the state prosecution opposed the argument, saying the charge sheet was in order.

In its ruling, the court released Mr Kebaso on a cash bail pending a determination on the legality of the charge sheet.

There were dozens of protesters outside the court and a heavy police presence noted in the city as activists threatened to mobilise major protests demanding for his release.

Amnesty International has termed Mr Kebaso's arrest as a "blatant misuse of the criminal justice system", external and called for his unconditional release.

The father of two has in the past complained of receiving threats and been followed by vehicles with unidentified licence plates.

"If I worry too much, I will not be able to continue my work," he remarked.

"What I am doing is extremely risky. I have experienced incidents where my phone was tracked and vehicles with untraceable number plates were seen near my home." Wycliffe Muia, BBC

Huawei Kenya’s Director for Government Affairs and Policy, Adam Lane

By MIKE OMUODO

Huawei has called for deeper collaboration between governments, the private sector and academia as a key strategy to drive innovation, foster economic growth, and create sustainable development solutions. 

Speaking at a Round Table on Partnerships for Development Through Science Parks and Areas of Innovation, on the sideline of the 41st IASP World Conference between September 24-27 2024 in Nairobi, Adam Lane, Director of Government Affairs and Policy at Huawei Kenya emphasized the importance of partnerships in leveraging cutting-edge technologies to address pressing local, regional and global challenges. 

"In the last 5 years we have worked closely with Konza in providing infrastructure and training for Jitume Labs as well as funding research into how to enhance their effectiveness; we also plan to support events to bring more partners on board to Jitume. We are collaborating with Machakos University to set-up an IoT Lab and contributing content for the Bachelors in IoT and Cloud Computing as well as supporting innovation competitions and hackathons with universities and TVETs across the country. Through these partnerships we can unlock the full potential of digital transformation” Mr. Lane said. 

Collective expertise 

Mr. Lane said leveraging the collective expertise of governments, businesses, and academic and research institutions will create innovative ecosystems that support digital transformation and foster environments where innovation thrives.  

He noted that through collaboration, governments, academic institutions and businesses can jointly solve complex challenges and harness new opportunities in areas like smart cities, connectivity, and digital inclusion. 

“Huawei has partnered with Konza Technopolis and Machakos University amongst others because we believe that the collective expertise of governments, businesses, and academic institutions can create a powerful engine for sustainable innovation,” Lane said.   

He said that while Huawei embraces partnerships that bring greater impacts, the Company also recommends focusing on one’s strengths and niche areas; highlighting an ongoing program using AI for special needs as one example. 

"At Huawei, we believe that technology can be a force for good. We are committed to collaborating with governments, academia and industry leaders to develop innovative solutions that address the unique needs of communities around us as we strive to create a brighter future for all," Mr. Lane noted.

Businessman Jimi Wanjigi claimed he is being followed wherever he goes, with those trailing him openly taking photographs to let him know that he is being followed. [File, Standard]

Safina party leader and businessman Jimi Wanjigi has expressed fears for his life after unknown men allegedly splashed blood at the gate of his Muthaiga home in  Nairobi on Saturday night.

According to Wanjigi, the incident occurred at around 10 pm when a grey pickup arrived at his residence, and the men inside poured the blood in a bucket at the entrance before hastily leaving.

“Normally, that is an act of warning, it is to say we are going to spill your blood and that of your family,” said Wanjigi, when addressing the press at his home. 

The politician castigated police, accusing them of interfering with communications at his residence using a signal jammer vehicle parked outside his home. “For the last 27 days, there has been a car parked outside my residence that makes sure that I cannot talk on my phone and I cannot watch TV,” he claimed. 

Wanjigi said that when the court ordered the police and government to stay away from entering his house, authorities decided to frustrate him through the airwaves.

Further, the Safina party boss claimed he is being followed wherever he goes, with those trailing him openly taking photographs to let him know that he is being trailed.

After the media address, Wanjigi proceeded to Kitengela to join other opposition leaders at AIC Kasina in Mlolongo. 

However, they were blocked from attending the thanksgiving service held to honour three Kitengela men who had been missing for more than a month.

According to Wanjigi, the Kitengela Three — Bob Njagi, Aslam Longton and Jamal Longton — whose disappearance sparked public outrage, had visited him at Kamukunji Police Station where he was detained before they were allegedly abducted by the police in Kitengela. 

Police denied Wanjigi and other opposition leaders including Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni among other leaders access to the church, which led to the cancellation of their planned rallies in Kitengela and Mlolongo. By Emmanuel Kipchumba, The Standard

By JULIUS MBALUTO 

Face of Kenya UK 2024 brought Kenyans together from far and wide. They danced, ululated and were entertained by the contestants showcasing music, poetry and oratory.  The Founder of Face of Kenya Janet Wainaina and her husband Ken worked diligently together to see success of the event. 

At the end of the great event, they were delighted but only for now as they now embark on a journey to German where Face of Kenya will be conducting the next event. 

Harriet Mukenyi emerged the winner during Face of Kenya UK contest. The well attended event took place at the National Royal Hotel in London and was graced by the new Kenyan Ambassador to the UK H.E Catherine Karemu Wahome with other notable Kenyan leaders with many people from all walks of life.    

The winner Harriet Mukenyi is a certified Health Care Assistant and a model. The contest wasn't a walk in the park, she faced tough competition from other strong candidates namely, Isaura Apuyo, Margaret Mkala, Job Mathigu, Eva Marie Kendi and Solomon Miano who showcased their talent to a positive reception from those who attended. 

Speaking at the event H.E Catherine Wahome  said that the Government of Kenya was ready to support Kenyans in the Diaspora but Kenyans ought to know that issues might not be addressed right away. She pointed that the concept of public participation slows down efforts but the law must be followed. As well, Kenyans must pro-active, take initiative and engage with the Embassy.  

She said she was delighted to be at the event and encouraged Face of Kenya to keep doing the good work. The event was treated to great performances. Former Mayor of Barking and Dagenham Dr Elizabeth Kangethe praised the work done by Face of Kenya  UK. 

The Ambassadors had raised funds to support charitable work by Face of Kenya UK. They are supporting the installation of water project for the Lenkishon community in Kajiado, Kenya.

By JULIUS MBALUTO 

Harriet Mukenyi has emerged the winner during Face of Kenya UK contest. The well attended event took place at the National Royal Hotel in London and was graced by the new Kenyan Ambassador to the UK H.E Catherine Karemu Wahome with other notable Kenyan leaders with many people from all walks of life.    

The winner Harriet Mukenyi is a certified Health Care Assistant and a model. The contest wasn't a walk in the park, she faced tough competition from other strong candidates namely, Isaura Apuyo, Margaret Mkala, Job Mathigu, Eva Marie Kendi and Solomon Miano who showcased their talent to a positive reception from those who attended. 

Speaking at the event H.E Catherine Wahome  said that the Government of Kenya was ready to support Kenyans in the Diaspora but Kenyans ought to know that issues might not be addressed right away. She pointed that the concept of public participation slows down efforts but the law must be followed. As well, Kenyans must pro-active, take initiative and engage with the Embassy.  

She said she was delighted to be at the event and encouraged Face of Kenya to keep doing the good work. The event was treated to great performances. Former Mayor of Barking and Dagenham Dr Elizabeth Kangethe praised the work done by Face of Kenya  UK. 

The Ambassadors had raised funds to support charitable work by Face of Kenya UK. They are supporting the installation of water project for the Lenkishon community in Kajiado, Kenya.

 

 

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