Kevin Moinde arrested over social media post freed as DPP finds no evidence to support charges

Social media user Kevin Moinde has been released from custody days after being arrested in connection with social media posts allegedly tarnishing the reputation of a high-ranking officer.

Moinde, who had been held at Capitol Hill Police Station following brief detention at Kamukunji Police Station, was reportedly released by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) after a wave of online outrage and pressure from civil society.

Sources indicate that he had earlier been taken to the Milimani Law Courts where he was to be charged, but was whisked away without police disclosing his whereabouts, sparking further alarm from his family and supporters.

Moinde had been arrested on Thursday, but on Monday, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed that after reviewing the inquiry investigation file on Moinde, there is insufficient evidence to charge him.

In a statement, the ODPP said the Director of Public Prosecutions carefully perused the inquiry file and found the evidence inadequate to warrant criminal charges against Moinde.

“The ODPP remains committed to executing its constitutional mandate in accordance with the law, public interest, and administration of justice,” it said.

PRESS STATEMENT

For Immediate Release

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) acknowledges receipt of the inquiry investigation file on Mr. KELVIN MOINDE.

Upon careful perusal of the inquiry file, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is satisfied that…

— Office of The Director Of Public Prosecutions (@ODPP_KE) June 9, 2025

Moinde had been arrested over the same matter that led to the controversial detention of 26-year-old Albert Ojwang Omondi, who died in police custody on Saturday in unclear circumstances.

Ojwang, a teacher and a father, was arrested in Homa Bay County for allegedly posting offensive remarks concerning Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat on social media.

During Ojwang’s arrest, officers reportedly told his father, Meshack Opiyo, that they had been looking for his son. They also revealed that another young man from Kisii (Moinde) had been arrested over similar accusations, allegedly for calling their boss corrupt and tarnishing his name online.

On Monday, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed that Lagat was the complainant in the matter. He said Lagat raised concerns about false information being circulated on social media platforms, tarnishing his name.

“The reason why the late Ojwang was arrested together with a few others is because there was a complaint that had been launched by the DIG about his name being tarnished,” Kanja said.

Ojwang’s death

The arrests and Ojwang’s death in custody have drawn widespread criticism, with human rights organisations and members of the public calling for accountability and the immediate release of others linked to the same case. Moinde was reportedly among those arrested alongside Ojwang.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has since launched investigations into the death of Ojwang.

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Ojwang had been booked at the Central Police Station in Nairobi County on Saturday, June 7, 2025.

As part of the investigation, IPOA stated that it had already visited and documented the scene, established contact with the family, and deployed officers to the City Mortuary, where a post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place.

“Moreover, five police officers from the DCI have been interviewed by IPOA investigators and their statements recorded,” IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan said in a statement.

He noted that the findings shall inform the Authority’s further communication to the public on the progress of the investigation and recommendation to relevant State agencies, and in particular, the DPP in the event criminal culpability is established.

IPOA reaffirmed its commitment to conducting investigations that are independent, impartial, fair and free from influence.