A 21-year-old Kenyan university student, David Oaga went on trial in Nairobi on May 27, 2025, for posting a fake caption on social media claiming that President William Ruto had died and announcing a funeral.
The post, which included a doctored image of a funeral procession, went viral on X, sparking panic and confusion before being debunked. Oaga was arrested under Kenya’s Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, charged with spreading false information and undermining public order, offenses carrying up to seven years in prison.
The prosecution argued that the post caused public distress and damaged the president’s reputation, citing thousands of shares and comments. Oaga’s defense claimed the post was a prank intended as satire, not malice, and highlighted his lack of prior criminal record. The trial has drawn attention to Kenya’s cybercrime laws, with human rights groups arguing they are overly punitive and stifle free expression. Amnesty International called for the charges to be dropped, citing the student’s right to freedom of speech.
The case has polarized public opinion, with some Kenyans condemning Oaga’s actions as reckless, while others see it as a symptom of youth frustration with the government. Ruto, in office since 2022, has faced criticism over economic policies, and the incident has fueled discussions about political satire in Kenya. The trial, adjourned to June 10, is expected to set a precedent for handling online misinformation. It underscores the challenges of regulating digital spaces while balancing civil liberties in Kenya’s vibrant social media landscape.