DCI arrests woman over alleged misuse of social media in National security probe

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested a woman in Mombasa County over the alleged improper use of social media, saying she is under investigation for publishing sensitive information relating to the movements of protected persons.

According to the DCI, the suspect was arrested during an intelligence-led operation carried out in the Kazandani area of Mombasa County after investigators allegedly linked her to an X (formerly Twitter) account that was used to publish information concerning the movements of protected persons.

The agency said the alleged publication is being investigated as a potential threat to national security. However, it did not disclose the nature of the information that was shared or identify the protected persons involved, citing the ongoing investigations.

According to the DCI, detectives established links between the suspect and the social media account during the course of their investigations, leading to the arrest.

"The suspect was apprehended after investigations linked her to an X (formerly Twitter) account allegedly used to publish sensitive information relating to the movements of protected persons, an act currently under investigation as a potential threat to national security," the Directorate said.

The DCI confirmed that the woman remains in police custody as investigators complete the necessary processing before presenting her in court.

"The suspect is currently in custody, undergoing processing pending arraignment," the agency stated.

The Directorate also used the statement to remind Kenyans that although the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, the right must be exercised responsibly and within the limits of the law.

"While the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, this right must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law," the DCI said.

The agency emphasised that it remains committed to protecting national security and urged members of the public to avoid sharing information that could compromise the safety of protected persons or incite public unrest.

"The Directorate remains committed to safeguarding national security and urges the public to refrain from sharing information that may compromise the safety of protected persons or incite unrest among the public," the statement added.

The DCI did not reveal the specific offences the suspect is expected to face, nor did it indicate when she would be arraigned in court. It only stated that investigations are ongoing and that appropriate legal action will follow once processing is complete.

The Directorate further appealed to members of the public to support law enforcement efforts by reporting criminal activities through its anonymous reporting channels under the #FichuaKwaDCI initiative, including the toll-free hotline 0800 722 203 and WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.

The matter is expected to proceed to court once investigations are concluded and the suspect is formally charged. As with all criminal investigations, the allegations remain unproven until they are tested in court, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.