Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have confirmed the arrest of Jacaranda Bunge la Mwananchi leader Evans Kawala, saying he was lawfully taken into custody and not abducted as earlier claims on social media had suggested.
The agency said Kawala was arrested in Kayole, Nairobi, on Wednesday, May 27, by officers attached to the Operations Support Unit.
According to the DCI, the 33-year-old activist is under investigation over remarks allegedly made online that authorities described as inflammatory and capable of disturbing public peace. Investigators claimed the statements targeted President William Ruto and could pose a threat to national stability if left unchecked.
The arrest attracted attention online after reports circulated alleging that Kawala had disappeared under unclear circumstances. Supporters and several activists had raised concerns over his whereabouts before the DCI issued its statement confirming that he was in police custody.
The clarification appeared aimed at calming growing speculation that he may have been abducted.
The agency linked the arrest to comments associated with a recent security breach involving President Ruto during an event in Ganze, Kilifi County.
Although detectives did not disclose the exact content of the remarks under investigation, they maintained that the statements crossed legal limits and required immediate action.
Kawala, who is known for his outspoken criticism on social and political issues through Bunge la Mwananchi forums, remains in custody as detectives finalize investigations before presenting him in court.
The DCI stated that the matter is being handled within the law and that the suspect will be arraigned once processing is complete.
The incident has once again sparked debate online about freedom of expression and the handling of political criticism in the country.
While some Kenyans supported the arrest, arguing that leaders and public figures should not be subjected to inciting remarks, others questioned whether the action could discourage open political debate.
By Wednesday evening, there had been no public response from Kawala’s legal team regarding the allegations raised by investigators.
