In a recent development, the Nairobi court dismissed cybercrime charges against activist Morara Kebaso, citing that the case lacked a clear legal foundation.
Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina declared that while the accusations involved cyber harassment, the specifics provided did not meet the legal criteria under Kenya’s Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
This decision came after Kebaso’s legal team, including prominent figures such as Martha Karua, argued that the charges were not only vague but also reflected an abuse of power, as they lacked essential details about the alleged offense
The case has garnered public attention due to the circumstances surrounding Kebaso’s arrest and subsequent injury.
He was attacked by unidentified individuals while attending a public discussion on national political issues, after which he was taken to a hospital for treatment.
His absence during the court proceedings, a direct result of this assault, did not prevent the court from ruling on the case, which was ultimately dismissed as “defective.”
Following this decision, the court also ordered the return of Kebaso’s cash bail, providing him temporary relief from legal threats.
Kebaso’s arrest and the government’s attempts to silence his activism have sparked public debate about the freedom of expression and the misuse of legal provisions to suppress political dissent in Kenya.
His case is seen by many as part of a larger pattern of intimidation toward activists critical of the government.
Kebaso’s legal team has called for accountability and transparency, urging the government to respect court orders and uphold constitutional rights regarding free speech and public activism.
