On September 30th, 2024, former Kiambu County Governor Ferdinand Waititu was arrested and put behind bars pending arraignment on allegations of offensive conduct, in violation of Section 94(1) of the Penal Code.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) now says that his arrest came in response to a report by a concerned citizen, who confided through the DCI’s toll-free FICHUA KWA DCI number 0800 722 203.

The report, DCI says, drew attention to a video circulating on social media, in which Waititu, speaking at a public rally held in Ruiru Stadium, allegedly made inflammatory and abusive remarks likely to provoke a breach of peace.

“The video, believed to have been recorded on September 29th, 2024, was posted on TikTok by the account @kikuyunationtv,” DCI says. “Upon receiving the tip, the DCI’s Cyber Crime Unit was immediately deployed to investigate the matter.”

Detectives thoroughly examined the footage, which captured Waititu speaking in Kikuyu, a vernacular language.

In collaboration with Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), investigators retrieved the raw footage from its publisher, @kikuyunationtv. The footage was further certified and a comprehensive translation of the speech from Kikuyu to English was later conducted by an expert to ensure accuracy.

“Following an in-depth analysis, it was established that the former governor’s remarks indeed constituted offensive conduct. With the evidence firmly established, the investigative team recommended that Hon. Ferdinand Waititu be formally charged under Section 94(1) of the Penal Code for his offensive conduct,” the DCI adds.

The DCI has extended its gratitude to vigilant citizens for sharing vital intelligence, which strengthens efforts to safeguard national peace and stability. “This collaboration fosters greater trust between the public and law enforcement, reinforcing a shared commitment to a secure and harmonious society.”