David Mokaya, a 24-year-old Kenyan university student, appeared in court on May 29, 2025, facing charges of publishing false information. The charges stem from a social media post he made late last year, which included a picture of a funeral procession accompanied by a fake caption: "President William Ruto's Body leaves Lee Funeral Home," implying the president was deceased.

During the court hearing on Thursday, Mokaya's case was adjourned to July 31. His legal representative argued that the prosecution is an "attack on freedom of expression." The lawyer contended that Mokaya was exercising his rights as a Kenyan citizen to voice his political opinions, engage in political satire, and criticize the head of state. "Political satire is not a crime," the lawyer asserted to AFP, describing the case against his client as "very flimsy."

This legal battle unfolds against a backdrop of increased government scrutiny and action against critics in Kenya. The crackdown reportedly intensified following significant protests in June of the previous year, which were demonstrations against tax hikes and corruption. Human rights organizations have raised serious allegations against security forces, accusing them of being responsible for the deaths of at least 60 people during these protests and the subsequent abduction of numerous individuals.

The issue of abductions linked to online expression has been prominent. In December, at least five individuals disappeared for several weeks. Rights groups believe these individuals were targeted by security forces due to their engagement in online satire critical of the government. Notably, at least two of those abducted had shared AI-generated photos depicting President Ruto in a coffin. Another individual affected was cartoonist Gideon Kibet, also known by his alias Kibet Bull, who had been publishing cartoons critical of the president. Following his abduction, Kibet announced he would cease creating such content.

Rights groups attribute these abductions to a "shadowy unit" composed of personnel from intelligence and counter-terrorism agencies. While both the government and police have consistently denied any responsibility for these disappearances, President Ruto recently addressed the issue. In a press conference earlier this month, he appeared to acknowledge the abductions, stating that "all the people who disappeared or who were abducted... have been brought back to their families." He further added that he has "given clarity and firm instructions that nothing of that kind of nature will happen again."