A 32-year-old activist, Nuru Maloba Okanga, who recently got arrested and charged for insulting Kenyan President, William Ruto, has been granted administrative bail.
He caused a buzz on social media after he sat for the 2023 KCPE exams, and subsequently rained insults on Ruto on 20 November 2023.
The Bunge la Wananchi member was charged with publishing false information on his YouTube channel – Riba News.
Okanga pleaded not guilty to charges against him when he appeared before Mlimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina.
In a viral video which he captioned, “Nuru Okanga on Fire” the activist went on a lengthy rant and ued unprintable words while talking about the president.
His lawyer, Emmanuel Kibet, told the court that Okanga was married with three children and therefore did not pose a flight risk.
The public prosecutor did not oppose Okanga’s bail application. Okanga was granted cash bail in the sum of Sh10,000 (N52,000).
It was gathered that he was still detained in the court cell as he could not immediately fulfil the bail so relatives rallied to pay the amount.
Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina ordered the prosecution to provide the accused with witness statements to prepare his defence. He adjourned the case to 13 December 2023 for mention and pre-trial investigation.
