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Morara Kebaso, a political activist and lawyer renowned for his outspoken criticism of President William Ruto’s administration, was arrested Monday afternoon at his Kahawa Sukari office in Nairobi.
The arrest occurred under murky circumstances, with law enforcement officials confiscating his electronic devices, including phones and laptops. Kebaso’s legal counsel, Pareno Solonka, expressed grave concerns about the manner of the arrest and the subsequent treatment of his client. “Since his detention, Morara has been held incommunicado. The officers involved have been evasive, merely stating they are following ‘orders from above,'” Solonka reported. Attempts by both legal representatives and media personnel to access Kebaso at the Regional Police Headquarters in Nairobi were rebuffed, allegedly on direct instructions from higher authorities.
Kebaso has in the last few months been a prominent figure in Kenya’s political landscape, particularly noted for his relentless campaigns against government corruption and inefficiency. Over recent months, he traveled extensively across the country, spotlighting stalled infrastructure projects and accusing officials of mismanaging public funds. His critiques extended to calling out what he described as “empty promises” by President Ruto’s administration, focusing on unmet pledges regarding job creation and economic reforms.
His activism earned him a significant following among citizens disillusioned with the government’s performance. However, it also attracted the attention of powerful adversaries within the political establishment. Kebaso had become a thorn in the side of those he accused of failing the Kenyan people, making his arrest a focal point in the ongoing struggle over free speech and accountability.
The arrest thus did not come as a complete surprise to those close to Kebaso. In late August, he publicly disclosed that he believed he was under surveillance by government agents. He recounted incidents of vehicles with obscured or untraceable license plates loitering near his residence and suspected that his phone communications were being monitored. Despite these unsettling experiences, Kebaso remained undeterred. “If I let fear consume me, I cannot fulfill my mission,” he stated in an earlier interview.
On Tuesday, Kebaso was arraigned in the Milimani court on cyber-related charges stemming from social media posts concerning President Ruto and businessman David Langat. The charge sheet, filed on October 1, accused him of disseminating false information intended to damage Langat’s reputation. Specifically, it alleged that on September 28, 2024, Kebaso posted claims on his X (formerly Twitter) account suggesting that President Ruto was orchestrating the undervalued acquisition of Langat’s properties amid financial duress.
The court released Kebaso on a cash bail of Sh50,000, scheduling the next hearing for October 4 to determine whether he would formally enter a plea. Outside the courthouse, a crowd of protesters gathered, chanting “Free Morara” and calling for his immediate release. The demonstration was met with a significant police presence, as authorities braced for potential unrest.
Human rights organizations and fellow activists swiftly condemned the arrest, viewing it as a direct assault on freedom of expression. “This is an alarming attempt to silence dissenting voices at a critical time for our nation,” said Solonka. “We should be encouraging transparency and accountability, not punishing those who seek it.”
Amid his activism, Kebaso has also been laying the groundwork for a new political party aimed at challenging the status quo. Just a day after his arrest, the Registrar of Political Parties, Ann Nderitu, approved the name of the Inclusion of National Justice Economic and Civic Transformation (INJECT) party. Nderitu confirmed the reservation of the party name for 90 days, marking a significant step in the registration process.
Kebaso had actively involved the public in shaping the new party, using his social media platforms to solicit input on both the name and the party’s colors. He proposed green and gold to symbolize fresh growth and a prosperous future, respectively. “We want this movement to reflect the hopes and aspirations of all Kenyans,” he wrote in a poll inviting supporters to share their ideas.
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