Kenya TikTok User Charged with Ethnic Contempt and Cyber Harassment

A TikTok user known as 'Sharu' has been charged in Garissa, Kenya, with ethnic contempt and cyber harassment for posting a video that allegedly incited religious hostility. The charges stem from a video uploaded on April 23, which police claim aimed to provoke conflict between the Muslim community and non-Muslims. Following his arrest on May 16, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) completed their investigation and forwarded the case to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which approved the prosecution. Sharu pleaded not guilty during his court appearance on July 2 and was released on a bond of Sh500,000 or cash bail of Sh200,000. The case is set for pre-trial proceedings on July 20. The DCI emphasized that freedom of expression does not protect speech that incites hatred or public disorder.

Key Points: • TikTok user 'Sharu' charged with ethnic contempt and cyber harassment in Kenya. • Allegations include inciting religious hostility through an inflammatory video posted on April 23. • The case is scheduled for pre-trial proceedings on July 20, following a not guilty plea.