The president of Atheists in Kenya Society, Harrison Mumia, has broken his silence following his arrest earlier this year, offering a detailed account of what he describes as an unlawful detention and politically motivated prosecution.
Mumia, who was arrested in early January over allegations of publishing false information about President William Ruto, now claims his treatment in custody was intended to punish rather than uphold the law.
In a statement, the activist said he was held at Muthaiga Police Station for five days without justification.
He argued that the detention violated constitutional safeguards on due process and personal liberty.
“Polite reminder – I was detained… for five days, just to punish me. Unconstitutionally,” Mumia stated, framing his arrest as part of a broader pattern of suppression targeting dissenting voices.
Bail Terms and Remand Detention
Mumia also took issue with the bail terms issued by Dolphina Alego, describing them as excessive and punitive.
The court had granted him an option of KSh 500,000 cash bail or a KSh 1 million bond, conditions he says were deliberately set beyond his immediate reach.
According to Mumia, the inability to meet those terms resulted in his extended detention at Industrial Area Remand Prison, where he spent 21 days before securing release.
He further alleged that the judicial decision-making in his case was influenced by political considerations, a claim that has not been substantiated in court but is likely to intensify public debate around judicial independence.
Political Message and Public Reaction
Beyond his personal experience, Mumia used the moment to send a broader political message, urging Kenyans to take electoral decisions seriously ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“Politics matters. The leaders we elect matter. The decisions they make matter,” he said, calling on citizens to register as voters and participate in the democratic process.
His remarks, however, also included sharp criticism of the current administration, referring to it in highly charged terms and expressing regret for supporting thr regime during the last election.
Ongoing Legal Case
Mumia was charged under provisions of Kenya’s cybercrime laws for allegedly publishing misleading content online, including doctored images suggesting the president was dead or critically ill.
He denied the charges and was released on bail pending trial.
The case has since moved to the pre-trial stage, with legal observers closely watching its implications on freedom of expression, digital rights, and the application of cybercrime legislation in politically sensitive cases.