Lamu man jailed for defamatory social media posts

A Lamu court has sentenced a man to six months in prison or a fine of Sh25,000 for publishing false and defamatory information on social media.

Donald Mwendwa, popularly known as “Password”, was found guilty under Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act after making damaging online remarks against the family of a senior Lamu County government official.

The case, filed in 2023, was brought by Shee Kupi Shee, the county’s Director for Disaster Management and Peace Building.

Mwendwa had posted a series of derogatory statements about Shee’s parentage and background, prompting a two-year legal battle.

Shee said the ruling sent a strong message against online harassment and cyberbullying.

“For two years, I endured court corridors, stayed grounded in truth, and kept my dignity intact not just for my family, but for every person who has suffered in silence from cyberbullying and defamation,” he said.

Shee described facing political intimidation, threats, and public mockery during the case but said he chose law over violence and patience over pressure.

The court heard that this was not Mwendwa’s first offence involving the misuse of social media. In January 2023, he was arraigned for allegedly insulting Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti.

Shee expressed hope that the verdict would serve as a deterrent.

“Let this ruling echo across Kenya and beyond that cyber abuse has consequences, and the rule of law will always have the final word,” he added.

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