DCI arrests man in Gatundu South after alleged threat to President William Ruto

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have apprehended Peter Maingi Kimani, widely known as Menelik Kimani, in Gachage, Kiganjo, Gatundu South Sub‑County, following the spread of a viral video in which he allegedly threatened President William Ruto.

The arrest took place on Thursday, 26 February 2026, and was confirmed by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations on X .

The young man, a regular on the social media platform, is alleged to have gone into hiding after posting the clip earlier this week. "The suspect was smoked out of his hideout in the Gachage area of Kiganjo, Gatundu South Sub-County, where he had holed up after committing the offence. He is currently undergoing processing pending arraignment," DCI stated.

Detectives drawn from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters have arrested Peter Maingi Kimani alias Menelik Kimani, who is suspected of recording a video containing a threatening message and sharing it on his TikTok account earlier this week.

The suspect… pic.twitter.com/EmCZOPYkXW

— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) February 26, 2026

The sleuths revealed that the young lad had undergone normal procedures after arrest, pending his arraignment. DCI further stated that the remarks amounted to a threatening message and warned against the misuse of social media platforms to incite violence or disturb public peace.

The agency noted that while freedom of expression is protected under the Constitution, it must be exercised responsibly and within the law. "The DCI reminds the public that while freedom of expression is guaranteed in the Constitution, its enjoyment should not be used as a tool to promote or justify the violation of the rights of others. The Directorate further reiterates that no effort will be spared in addressing any irresponsible use of social media, especially where there is a threat to peace and security," DCI said in a statement on Thursday.

Authorities stated that Kimani had recorded and posted a video on his TikTok account earlier in the week, which investigators described as a direct threat to the President and government officials.

The clip quickly drew attention across social media, prompting the DCI to trace Kimani’s digital activity. Investigators eventually found him at a hideout, where he was reportedly staying after sharing the video.

In the video, Kimani reportedly addressed President Ruto, stating: “President William Ruto; ignore me at your own risk.”

He challenged the President’s democratic authority, asserting that “a real king doesn’t come through the ballot box, a real king comes from the battlefield.”

Kimani also claimed royal and biblical ancestry, identifying himself as “Menelik, son of King Solomon, son of King David,” and maintained that power should be taken by force rather than through elections.

Following the arrest, the DCI highlighted that while freedom of expression is safeguarded under the Constitution of Kenya, it cannot be used to incite violence or threaten public safety.

The agency noted that it remains committed to monitoring and addressing the misuse of social media, especially when content is deemed a threat to peace and national security. Kimani is currently being processed at DCI headquarters in Nairobi ahead of his expected court appearance.

Police have not released formal charges, but sources indicate that the case is likely to involve provisions of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act, as well as public order laws concerning threatening communications.

The arrest occurs amid increased scrutiny of social media in political matters, reflecting ongoing efforts by Kenyan authorities to manage online activity considered potentially dangerous to public safety or national stability.