A statement by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has shed light on the whereabouts of Kirinyaga-based blogger Justin Kinyua Mwangi, countering earlier claims that he had been abducted by unknown individuals.
The clarification follows alarm raised by Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina, who on Tuesday alleged that the blogger—associated with the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP)—had been seized by hooded gunmen and driven to an undisclosed location.
The lawmaker described the incident as politically motivated intimidation, warning of threats to constitutional freedoms.
However, the DCI has confirmed that Kinyua is in lawful custody after being arrested over alleged hate speech and inciteful content published on social media.
In a statement issued on August 4, 2026, detectives said the suspect was apprehended in Wanguru Town, Mwea, Kirinyaga County, following investigations into posts deemed to promote ethnic contempt.
“Detectives from DCI Headquarters have arrested Justin Kinyua Mwangi for publishing social media content amounting to hate speech and ethnic contempt,” the agency stated.
Authorities indicated that Kinyua, who identifies himself online as a political storyteller and digital strategist and manages the Facebook account under his name, will face charges under Sections 13 and 62 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
He is expected to be arraigned in court, where prosecutors will outline the case against him.
The DCI used the opportunity to reiterate its stance on the use of digital platforms, warning that legal action will be taken against individuals who exploit online spaces to incite division or threaten national cohesion.
“Freedom of expression is a constitutional right, but it is not a licence to sow division, incite hatred or threaten national stability,” the statement read.
The contrasting accounts have triggered public debate, with some questioning the initial abduction claims while others expressed concern over the handling of politically linked arrests.