Popular Twitter influencer Billy Simani, known to his followers as Crazy Nairobian, has reportedly been detained by police after expressing strong opposition to the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
Simani, who commands a quarter of a million followers on Twitter (now rebranded as X), was allegedly taken to an undisclosed location by authorities, causing a public uproar and raising concerns about his safety.
Sources close to Simani suggest his outspoken criticism of the Finance Bill might have led to his apprehension.
Dennis Itumbi, a prominent digital strategist with ties to the government, confirmed that Simani is in police custody.
However, he did not specify the police station where Simani is being held.
According to Itumbi, Simani was arrested for sending threatening messages to a public servant, a claim that has not been substantiated with an official police booking number.
“I have checked with police why Crazy Nairobian, Billy, is under arrest. I understand he sent threatening messages. I get hundreds of those myself, & they do not bother me. But well, it is a crime. I am unable to intervene, though I strongly disagree. I will reach out to the complainant to see if he/she can withdraw,”
Itumbi stated in a post on X.
Itumbi further defended the right to free speech and criticized the arrest as an overreaction.
Insults and criticism of public servants should not be treated as a crime. Public servants need to develop a thick skin and handle criticism better. These arrests may not be illegal, but they are sincerely stupid,”
The arrest has sparked a significant online debate, with over 10,000 users participating in a forum on X to discuss the implications of targeting young voices critical of the government.
Many have drawn parallels with previous incidents where bloggers and activists faced legal action for criticizing public officials, arguing that such actions infringe on constitutional rights.
Political figures from the Kenya Kwanza government have faced mounting criticism, with the public calling out legislators who supported the Finance Bill.
This incident has heightened fears about the erosion of free speech and the criminalization of dissent in the country.
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