Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has raised concerns over the misuse of social media, especially TikTok, claiming it is being used by unknown individuals to push for military coups across Africa.
Speaking during an interview with NTV on Monday, April 7, Mwaura alleged that there is an ongoing silent psychological campaign on the Chinese-owned platform aimed at destabilising governments.
He suggested that this online activity could be part of a broader plan to influence political decisions on the continent.
According to Mwaura, there appears to be a targeted agenda where certain African presidents are portrayed negatively, with narratives labelling them as corrupt or too old to lead.
In contrast, military figures are shown in a positive light, potentially to build public support for military regimes.
“If you pay attention to TikTok, there’s a subtle but dangerous trend promoting the idea of military takeovers.
Some people have criticised me in the past for saying that there’s foreign interference influencing how people think and make decisions,” Mwaura stated. “But what we are seeing now is a clear and intentional effort.
I don’t know exactly where it is coming from, but it’s meant to destroy the image of some African leaders while promoting others, particularly those in the military.
We need to take this seriously because it could mean someone somewhere is plotting coups in African countries,” he added.
Mwaura’s remarks follow similar concerns raised by Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli just two days earlier.
During the COTU Shop Stewards Meeting held on Saturday, April 5, Atwoli warned that if left unregulated, social media could be a dangerous tool that might spark violence and unrest similar to what has been witnessed in conflict-affected African countries.
Atwoli emphasized that unfiltered criticism and propaganda on social platforms not only harm the country’s image but could also scare away investors.
He urged the public to be more responsible when using social media.
“People must stop spreading lies and negativity online. If you don’t show love for your country, investors will pull out, and that will create chaos similar to the situation in Sudan or Congo,” Atwoli warned. “Look at countries like Somalia—decades of instability.
We do not want Kenya heading in that direction. If this trend continues, we may be forced to ask the government to step in and regulate social media,” he added.
The concern over social media’s impact on national security was also echoed by the Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), Noordin Haji, on Thursday, April 3.
Haji cautioned Kenyans against misusing digital platforms, saying that doing so could endanger both national and regional security.
He acknowledged that while the Constitution protects the right to free speech, there must be a balance between exercising that freedom and protecting the country’s safety.
“Across Africa, social media has become a major tool for activism and civil mobilisation.
Unfortunately, we’ve also seen it being used to spread false information deliberately and systematically,” Haji said. “This coordinated spread of misinformation and disinformation can destabilise nations and threaten peace.”
All three leaders—Mwaura, Atwoli, and Haji—have made it clear that while digital platforms are important for communication and expression, their misuse poses a serious risk.
They are calling for responsible usage and, if necessary, stricter regulations to protect national stability.
Join Our Political Forum official 2025 WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
