TikTok personality Joseph Gitonga Kihanya, popularly known as Gitonga Archives, has been ordered to undergo a mental assessment at Kenyatta National Hospital as he faces an ongoing KSh500,000 extortion case. The directive came after his arrest over failure to attend scheduled court proceedings, with the court also cancelling his earlier bond as it considers his application for fresh bail.
Highlights
- Gitonga Archives has been directed to undergo a mental assessment at Kenyatta National Hospital.
- The order followed his arrest in Nakuru and transfer to Nairobi.
- His previous bond was cancelled after he missed a scheduled court appearance.
- He faces allegations of demanding KSh500,000 from a media service provider.
- Gitonga has denied the charges and previously pleaded not guilty.
Main Story
Court Orders Assessment at Kenyatta National Hospital
A Nairobi court has directed TikToker Gitonga Archives to undergo a mental assessment at Kenyatta National Hospital as proceedings in his extortion case continue.
City Court Magistrate Grace Ouko issued the order on Monday after Gitonga appeared in court following his arrest in Nakuru and subsequent transfer to Nairobi.
The latest directive adds another step to the case, which centres on allegations that the content creator demanded money from a media service provider in exchange for removing online content and refraining from publishing further material.
Court Cancels Earlier Bond
Gitonga’s lawyer, Joshua Nyamori, had asked the court to reinstate his client’s bail, arguing that illness had prevented him from attending the scheduled proceedings.
However, the court was reportedly not presented with medical documents to support the explanation.
Following his failure to appear, the court cancelled his earlier bond and ordered that he remain in custody while his application for fresh bail is considered.
Gitonga had initially been released on a KSh50,000 cash bail or an alternative bond of KSh100,000 as he awaited trial.
His arrest followed a warrant issued on October 1 after he failed to attend court as required.
Details of the KSh500,000 Extortion Allegations
The case involves allegations that Gitonga demanded KSh500,000 from Amos Hunja Mwangi, a media service provider reportedly linked to Cooperative Bank of Kenya.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offence took place between July 20 and July 27, 2025, within Nairobi County.
Investigators claim Gitonga acted alongside another person who has not yet been brought before the court.
The prosecution alleges that the demand was connected to a TikTok video in which Gitonga claimed that KSh1.6 billion had been stolen from a bank account.
Alleged Threat to Publish More Content
Prosecutors further allege that Gitonga sought KSh500,000 in exchange for removing the video and refraining from publishing additional content about the financial institution.
Mwangi reportedly told detectives that the TikToker threatened to release more material that could damage the institution’s reputation if the money was not paid.
These claims form part of the prosecution’s case and have not been established as facts in a court judgment.
Gitonga has denied the allegations and previously pleaded not guilty. The case remains subject to the court process.
What Happens Next?
The mental assessment ordered at Kenyatta National Hospital is the latest development as the court handles the matter.
Gitonga is also awaiting consideration of his application for fresh bail following the cancellation of his earlier bond.
The next steps will depend on the court’s directions and the progress of the proceedings.
As the case continues, the allegations remain unproven, and Gitonga is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty.
As online influence continues to grow, this case is a reminder that digital content can carry serious legal consequences and that allegations must ultimately be tested in court.
