Kenyan TikToker Kan Maiyo has been arrested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) following the circulation of a viral video in which he allegedly incites violence against police officers and their families. The arrest has sparked a heated debate around digital expression, public safety, and state response.
Highlights
- Kan Maiyo arrested at his office in Kimathi House, Nairobi, by DCI detectives.
- He allegedly made threatening remarks toward police officers in a viral video.
- The arrest comes amid a government crackdown on online incitement.
- President Ruto has equated attacks on police with terrorism.
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In the now-deleted TikTok clip, Kan Maiyo—whose real name is Godfrey Mwasiaga—allegedly suggested that officers behind forced disappearances would soon face violent consequences. His statement, perceived as a direct threat to police and their families, quickly gained traction online and drew backlash from security officials.
Maiyo was arrested at his workplace, LetaPeleka Logistics, located at Kimathi House in Nairobi CBD. According to the DCI, the video amounted to incitement to violence—a serious offense under Kenya’s cybercrime and penal laws. He is currently in custody and is expected to be arraigned in court soon.
The arrest follows a warning from President William Ruto, who declared that threats or attacks on police officers would be treated as acts of terrorism. His administration has maintained a tough stance on any form of incitement, particularly those targeting state agents during the ongoing wave of civil unrest and protests.
Kan Maiyo’s arrest is a wake-up call for Kenya’s content creators—one viral video can blur the line between free speech and criminal incitement, especially in times of national tension.
