Utumishi Girls fire: DCI arrest suspect over viral posts deemed inflammatory

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‎Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a man accused of publishing inflammatory social media posts linked to the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls High School that claimed the lives of 16 students and left several others injured.

‎The suspect was apprehended in Mombasa County following what police described as a targeted operation based on actionable intelligence.

‎According to the DCI, the suspect is alleged to have used his Facebook account to publish content that sparked widespread public outrage and raised concerns over national cohesion and public order.

‎Investigators say some of the posts referenced the Utumishi school tragedy and contained remarks that appeared to glorify the deaths while making inflammatory statements directed at a particular community.

‎The post immediately triggered condemnation from members of the public and leaders across the country.

‎"Detectives have apprehended... the mastermind behind insensitive and inflammatory social media posts that have sparked widespread public outcry," the DCI said in a statement.

‎The agency noted that the content quickly spread across multiple social media platforms, prompting investigators to launch a manhunt.

‎Detectives tracked the suspect to Mombasa County, where he was arrested at his residence.

‎"The offensive content, which was published on the suspect's Facebook account, has since gone viral across various social media platforms, threatening public order and peace," the statement added.

‎The arrest comes days after a video surfaced online in which the suspect reportedly claimed that his social media account had been hacked, an assertion investigators are expected to examine as part of ongoing inquiries.

‎Authorities have not disclosed the specific charges he is likely to face, but indicated that he remains in custody as detectives complete processing ahead of his arraignment in court.

‎The incident has now reignited debate over responsible use of social media and the limits of free expression, particularly during periods of national mourning and tragedy.

‎In its statement, the DCI cautioned social media users against sharing content that could incite hatred, inflame tensions or undermine national unity.

‎"The digital space is not a lawless jungle. While we enjoy the freedom of expression, publishing or distributing inflammatory posts that incite public outcry and divide us as a nation is a crime," the agency said.

‎The DCI further urged Kenyans to exercise responsibility online, warning that individuals who use digital platforms to spread divisive or inflammatory content will be held accountable under the law.