Francis Gaitho has been charged with False Publications and Cyber Harassment, the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (ODPP) has said.

Gaitho, a politician and social media influencer, was arrested on July 17, 2024, and faced charges of false publications contrary to Section 22(1) of the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act No. 5 of 2018, and Cyber Harassment Contrary to Section 27(1)(a) of the same Act.

He was arraigned before senior principal magistrate Robinson Ondieki at Milimani Law Courts on July 18, 2024.

The court heard that on July 15, 2024, at approximately 14:00 hours, while at an unknown location he intentionally published false information on social media with intent that the data would be considered or acted as authentic.

This was with regards to the authenticity of the suspect(s) behind the Mukuru Kwa Njenga killings.

He is alleged to have, on the same day and at the same time, published false information about one Jairus Onkundi Morwabe, knowing or having reason to know that such publication would cause Morwabe apprehension or fear of violence, as well as damage or loss to his property.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges before Senior Principal Magistrate Robinson Ondieki and was released on a cash bail of KSh30,000.

The case will be mentioned on August 1, 2024, for pre-trial.