Kivutha Kibwana slams DCI over arrest of Bungoma man behind fake Ruto posts

Former Makueni Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana has publicly defended 22-year-old Titus Wekesa, suggesting that his arrest over a parody social media account was unwarranted.

Taking to X, Prof Kibwana questioned the logic behind Wekesa’s arrest, arguing that there was no direct impersonation of President William Ruto.

“Surely DCI, it is wrong to arrest 22-year-old Titus Wekesa Sifuna for impersonating H.E. The President merely because he ran a fun account with the handle @ThiefThe5th and his own display #IMustGo. Is Prezo mentioned here?” the law professor posted.

Wekesa was arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts earlier this week on charges of impersonating the President and allegedly claiming the Head of State intended to step down.

Prof Kibwana’s post quickly sparked mixed reactions online.

User @Ronyokev wrote, “When a politician who’s looted billions walks free, but a young man speaking out of pain and poverty gets 10 years in jail, our government isn’t just failing. It’s overworking against its own people.”

Another user, Fredy Munyao, had a question for the good professor: “Prof, if someone today edits your pics together with your wife in bikinis and they get arrested for cyberbullying, will you bail them out?”

Others disagreed with Prof Kibwana.

@Its_Arotich commented, “Criticism is different from insults. Let the young boy learn that.”

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has requested to hold Wekesa for seven more days. 

A detective told the court that the case involves serious offences under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.

“The contents posted on the X handle are of great harm to the country’s reputation. The presidency is a symbol of national unity and must be respected and honoured by all,” said Detective Mwangi.

He added that the account had been used to share “messages and images which are derogatory and disrespectful towards the Head of State and his family,” triggering negative public reactions and potentially undermining national cohesion.