Court gags blogger Robert Alai from commenting on coronavirus in Kenya

By , K24 Digital
On Mon, 23 Mar, 2020 11:09 | < 1 min read
Robert Alai
Blogger Robert Alai. PHOTO | SHEILA MUTUA
Blogger Robert Alai. PHOTO | SHEILA MUTUA

Blogger Robbert Alai has been gagged from commenting or publishing on his Twitter and Facebook accounts on issues touching on coronavirus outbreak in Kenya pending the hearing and determination of his case.

Mr. Alai was charged on Monday with false information relating to the coronvirus pandemic in Kenya, an action the prosecution claims was intended to create panic in the country.

The blogger, who has been released on bail, is said to have published the false information on March 19, accusing the national government of not being forthright in its coronavirus updates.

The controversial blogger spent the weekend in police cells following his arrest on Friday.

Nairobi Resident Magistrate Muema Ndugi on Monday warned the blogger from publishing any content touching on Covid 19 failure to which his bond terms will be cancelled.

Alai pleaded not guilty and asked the court to release him on lenient terms since he has another pending case before the court. 

The magistrate released him on Sh50,000 cash bail or Sh150,000 bond pending the hearing and determination of the court.

The magistrate released him on bail, ruling that detaining him would endanger his health and life.