Harrison Nyende Mumia, President of the Atheists in Kenya Society, has been formally charged with multiple counts of false publication under Section 22(1) of the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act No. 5 of 2018. The charges stem from a series of posts on December 30, 2025, in which Mumia allegedly used social media to depict President William Ruto as lying dead.
The prosecution stated that Mumia used both his Instagram account and a pseudo-Facebook account under the name Robinson Kipruto Ngetich to circulate the images. “On December 30, 2025, while at an unknown place within the Republic of Kenya, and using a pseudo-Facebook account under the username Robinson Kipruto Ngetich, you knowingly published false information by posting an image of the President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency William Ruto, lying on a bed and falsely portraying him as deceased, information you knew to be false,” the charge sheet reads.
Mumia is further accused of posting the same image across multiple accounts, including his personal Instagram handle, portraying President Ruto on a hospital bed in critical condition, while fully aware that the information was false.
What Happened in Court?
Mumia appeared before Milimani Chief Magistrate Dolphina Alego on Monday, January 5, 2026, where he denied all charges. A plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf. His lawyer, Levi Munyeri, requested that Mumia be released on bond, assuring the court that he is not a flight risk and that his residence is well known.
Magistrate Alego granted the request, freeing Mumia on a bond of Ksh1 million with the same surety, or alternatively Ksh500,000 cash bail with two contacts. The court set the next mention for January 19, 2026.
Why This Case Matters
The case has drawn public attention as it highlights the serious consequences of spreading false information online, particularly involving the head of state. It underscores the importance of accountability in the use of social media and the legal boundaries of public communication in Kenya. Mumia’s actions, if proven, reflect the risks associated with digital impersonation and misinformation, a growing concern in the era of viral online content.
This case serves as a reminder that social media users must exercise caution and responsibility when sharing sensitive or potentially harmful content, as authorities are increasingly monitoring and enforcing cybercrime laws to protect individuals and public figures alike.
By Modester Nasimiyu