University student faces trial for sharing fake funeral photo of president

A university student, David Oaga Mokaya, will stand trial for allegedly sharing false information online, including an image of a funeral procession with misleading captions.

This follows the court’s confirmation that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has not issued any directive to withdraw the case.

During Wednesday’s mention of the case, prosecutors informed the court that no instructions for withdrawal had been given and requested hearing dates to be set.

The defence did not object, and the matter was scheduled for a full hearing on May 29, 2025.

Through lawyer Danstan Omari, Mokaya had inquired whether President William Ruto would be called to testify.

"The student is charged with publishing a casket on Twitter. I have written to the DPP to review the charges on the citizen's right to criticize their leader, especially their president," the court was told.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) also raised questions on whether the President would testify and challenged the jurisdiction of the case.

According to the DPP, Mokaya allegedly posted the image on his X account, "Landlord @bozgabi," on November 13, 2024, publishing false information about President William Ruto

The court heard that the image, which depicted a casket draped in the Kenyan flag and escorted by military officers in ceremonial uniform, was fabricated to create the impression that it involved the President.

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