Blogger Cyprian Nyakundi released on a Ksh.2M bond

Controversial blogger Cyprian Nyakundi was on Friday charged before a Kiambu court with posting derogatory remarks against Governors Anne Waiguru and Mike Sonko together with Kenya Power Managing Director Ken Tarus.

Nyakundi, who was also charged with posting hate speech content against the Kikuyu community on social media however denied the accusations and was released on Ksh.2 million bond with an alternative Ksh.1 million cash bail for the hate speech charge.

In the Waiguru, Sonko and Tarus charges, Nyakundi was released on a Ksh.200,000 bond with an alternative of Ksh.100,000 cash bail for each.

In Mr Sonko’s case, the blogger was charged that on April 1, 2018, at unknown places, he wrote on his Facebook and Twitter accounts, obscene materials about the governor that could deprave and corrupt the public against him.

The governor, who the charge sheet names as the complainant, has been listed among the witnesses who will testify.

In Governor Waiguru’s case, Mr Nyakundi is accused of publishing obscene information regarding the governor on April 16 and that words he used were meant to deprave and corrupt the public against her.

Ms Waiguru has been listed as the complaint and also one of the witnesses.

The blogger was arrested early this week and booked at Muthaiga Police Station.

In the case filed by Mr Tarus, Mr Nyakundi is accused of peddling rumours against the Kenya Power top chief online.

The post, the police said was likely to cause fear and alarm to the public, yet he knew that the information he posted was false.

“….without lawful excuse published a false rumour to wit, Kenya Power is being looted by Jubilee through Ken Tarus who got a job as the Managing Director (MD) with fake papers, this country is led by criminals, ” read the charge sheet.