Ferdinand Waititu Arrested for Alleged Disruptive Behavior at Ruiru Rally

Former Kiambu County Governor Ferdinand Waititu has found himself in legal trouble after making controversial remarks at a rally in Ruiru Stadium. On September 30, 2024, authorities arrested him for offensive conduct, alleging that his comments incited unrest among the public.

Highlights

Authorities charged Waititu under Section 94(1) of the Penal Code.
His arrest followed a tip-off from a concerned citizen via the DCI’s toll-free hotline.
Opposition leaders condemned his arrest, calling it an intimidation tactic by the government.

Details of the Incident

Waititu’s arrest stemmed from a video that circulated on social media, where he made inflammatory remarks during a public rally. The video, recorded on September 29, 2024, and shared by TikTok account @kikuyunationtv, prompted immediate action from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Once alerted, the DCI dispatched its Cyber Crime Unit to investigate the matter.They examined the footage, which featured Waititu speaking in Kikuyu. Collaborating with the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), investigators managed to retrieve the original video. They also had the speech translated from Kikuyu to English by a certified expert to ensure accuracy.

After a thorough analysis, the investigation revealed that Waititu’s comments constituted offensive conduct. This finding led the investigative team to recommend that authorities formally charge him under Section 94(1) of the Penal Code.

The Legal Proceedings

Following his arrest, authorities denied Waititu bail, and he spent the night at Pangani Police Station. He is expected to face charges related to cybercrime during his arraignment scheduled for Tuesday.

The arrest of Waititu stirred significant unrest among opposition members, who gathered at the DCI headquarters to express their solidarity. Led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, they attempted to gain access to Waititu but were met with resistance from police officers.

Musyoka and other leaders criticized the arrest, calling it a clear case of intimidation. Musyoka stated, “Any unexplained arrest is nothing short of an abduction. We have come to say no.” Meanwhile, Eugene Wamalwa emphasized that such actions undermine the authority of senior opposition leaders.

Controversial Remarks

The contentious remarks made by Waititu occurred during a concert where he discussed potential political motions in Parliament. In the video, he stated, “If they take that motion to Parliament, then Gachagua’s MPs, led by Kalonzo’s MPs, will also take a motion to impeach Ruto.” This statement raised concerns about political stability and the potential for unrest.

As Waititu awaits his arraignment, the political landscape in Kenya remains tense. His arrest not only highlights the risks associated with public speech but also raises questions about freedom of expression in the country. Opposition leaders are demanding accountability, arguing that if Waititu’s remarks were truly inflammatory, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) should have intervened before resorting to arrest.Observers will closely watch the unfolding events, as they could have lasting implications for Kenya’s political climate.