- Detectives from the DCI have arrested TikTok influencer Peter Maingi Kimani, aka Menelik Kimani, in Gatundu South after a viral video
- Kimani, who allegedly claimed royal and biblical lineage and challenged the legitimacy of President William Ruto’s government
- The DCI warned that while freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, it must not be used to threaten public peace
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested TikToker Peter Maingi Kimani, also known as Menelik Kimani.
Source: UGC
This came after a viral TikTok video in which he directly challenged President William Ruto and issued what authorities described as a threatening ultimatum.
How did DCI trace, arrest Kimani?
According to a statement released on Thursday, February 26, the police traced Kimani to a hideout in the Gachage area of Kiganjo, Gatundu South Sub-County.
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The young man, a regular on the social media platform, is alleged to have gone into hiding after posting the clip earlier this week.
“The suspect was smoked out of his hideout in the Gachage area of Kiganjo, Gatundu South Sub-County, where he had holed up after committing the offence. He is currently undergoing processing pending arraignment,” DCI stated.
The sleuths revealed that the young lad had undergone normal procedures after arrest, pending his arraignment.
DCI further stated that the remarks amounted to a threatening message and warned against the misuse of social media platforms to incite violence or disturb public peace.
The agency noted that while freedom of expression is protected under the Constitution, it must be exercised responsibly and within the law.
“The DCI reminds the public that while freedom of expression is guaranteed in the Constitution, its enjoyment should not be used as a tool to promote or justify the violation of the rights of others. The Directorate further reiterates that no effort will be spared in addressing any irresponsible use of social media, especially where there is a threat to peace and security,” DCI said in a statement on Thursday, February,” DCI stated.
Why was Kimani arrested?
A quick spotcheck of Kimani’s TikTok feed revealed a series of video posts critical of Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
From videos advocating for a military uprising to claims that he’d undergone military training since 2023, the TikToker’s account is a treasure trove for the DCI.
In the video that landed him on DCI radar after being circulated widely across social media platforms Kimani addresses Ruto directly.
In the clip, he warned the head of state against ignoring him following his challenge to the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“President, William Ruto, ignore me at your own risk, ignore me at your own risk. I ask for a challenge between me and your government, and mtoto akililia wembe mpe,” Kimani said.
The remarks immediately drew attention online, with users sharing and reacting to the statements amid concerns over their tone and content.
Source: Twitter
Kimani further rejected democratic leadership in the recording, making remarks that appeared to question the legitimacy of Ruto’s government.
“A real king doesn’t come through the ballot box, a real king comes from the battlefield. Democracy has raised weak kings who come into power through lies and fooling the poor,” he said.
In another part of the video, Kimani introduced himself in striking terms, claiming royal and biblical lineage.
” Let me introduce myself. I am Menelik, son of King Solomon, son of King David. We are the royal blood chosen and anointed by the creator of heaven and earth. We do not beg for power, we take it by force. Mr President, a real king doesn’t come through ballot box. A real king comes from the battlefield,” he claimed.
Kimani also issued what he described as a seven-day ultimatum to the president, adding that if no response was forthcoming, he would visit State House and decide Ruto’s fate.
“For seven days from today, prepare your army for war. I have given you seven days for you to make your decision wisely because it will be a matter between life and death, only the strong to survive. Take your time to think and if you feel that you will lose, I give you a chance to call me and hand over power to me in a peaceful manner. You have only seven days. If you won’t do any of this, I will visit state house and your fate will be mine to decide,” he added.
Why was Nuru Okanga arrested?
Elsewhere, Nuru Okanga was charged in court over allegations that he used offensive language against Ruto.
Authorities accused him of publishing false information under Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act.
Prosecutors stated that statements captured in a video were intended to damage the president’s reputation and trigger public unrest.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
