'I'm free!' Gatundu man arrested for threatening President Ruto confirms release

The TikToker was arrested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on February 26 from a hideout in the Gachage area of Kiganjo, Gatundu South Sub-County, where he had allegedly gone into hiding after posting the clip earlier this week.

He resurfaced on TikTok with a new account, confirming that he was released on February 27, but his mobile phone was confiscated by officers.

"Hey guys, it's Menelik Kimani, I was arrested on Thursday and released on Friday. I am home and okay. The main problem is my phone is being withheld by the police but I have a new account, so kindly follow it," he said in a video posted on Sunday.

Activist Mwabili Mwagodi had earlier taken to his social media, confirming that he visited Kimani at his parents' home in Cura village, Kiganjo. 

He however, questioned why the DCI confiscated his mobile phone without obtaining a court order.

"He was released on Friday at 4:00pm. We have gotten him an advocate and he is speaking with the advocate. The only time DCI is supposed to take your phone is when it is ordered by a magistrate or a judge," he said.

His arrest was followed by public uproar as many questioned why security authorities would go after a TikToker for threatening the Head of State.

Others however argued that he breached legal provisions on the rights to expression, terming his threats as a justified offence.