Kenya, Aug. 9 -- On Thursday, August 7, 2025, TikToker and street activist Joseph Gitonga, widely known as Gitonga Archives, was arraigned at Milimani Law Courts over allegations of attempting to extort Ksh 500,000 from a media contractor affiliated with Co-operative Bank of Kenya.

Charged with demanding property by menace under Section 302 of the Penal Code, Gitonga pleaded not guilty before Senior Principal Magistrate Sharon Ouko.

The case has drawn significant attention due to Gitonga's prominent online presence and his vocal activism on social media platforms. This high-profile extortion case underscores the growing tension between digital influence and legal accountability in Kenya.

According to the prosecution, the alleged extortion occurred between July 20 and July 25, 2025, in Nairobi County. Gitonga, alongside another suspect who has yet to be arraigned, is accused of unlawfully demanding Ksh 500,000 from Amos Hunja Mwangi, a media service provider contracted by Co-operative Bank.

The court heard that Gitonga allegedly threatened to tarnish the bank's reputation by posting defamatory content on his TikTok account, which boasts over 130,000 followers.

The prosecution claimed that Gitonga demanded the payment to remove a video alleging that Ksh 1.6 billion had been stolen from client accounts at the bank, a claim that reportedly aimed to pressure the institution.

Gitonga's legal team, led by Joshua Nyamori and Black Omanga, argued for lenient bail terms, citing his financial struggles and cooperation with investigators.

"My client is a poor man whose wife left him due to financial hardship. He is not a flight risk," Omanga told the court.

The defence highlighted Gitonga's role as a street activist and member of Bunge la Wananchi, emphasising his lack of stable income and reliance on public goodwill. Despite these pleas, the prosecution, led by State Counsel Rama Mwanaidi, raised concerns about Gitonga's ongoing social media activity.

Mwanaidi pointed to posts that referenced the case, arguing they could undermine the judicial process and harm the complainant's dignity.

Magistrate Ouko granted Gitonga a cash bail of Ksh 50,000 or an alternative bond of Ksh 100,000, with strict conditions prohibiting him from commenting on or publishing any material related to the case on any platform.

"Justice must not be compromised by public discourse," Ouko ruled, issuing a gag order to protect the integrity of the trial. The court also scheduled a mention for August 13, 2025, to address the whereabouts of Gitonga's second mobile phone, which he claims was taken during an incident at the Co-operative Bank premises.

The case is set for hearing on October 16, 2025. The prosecution's request for a gag order stemmed from Gitonga's alleged use of his TikTok platform to post content that could prejudice the case.

"The accused has been publishing details that touch on this matter, potentially intimidating witnesses," Mwanaidi submitted. The court agreed, emphasising that trials should not be conducted in the "court of public opinion."

Gitonga's lawyers signalled their intent to challenge the gag order in the High Court, arguing it infringes on his freedom of expression.

This extortion case highlights broader issues surrounding the influence of social media personalities in Kenya.

Gitonga, known for his outspoken activism, has used his platform to address social and economic injustices, often targeting powerful institutions.

However, this legal battle raises questions about the boundaries of online activism and the potential for misuse of digital influence.

The allegations against Gitonga have sparked debates on social media, with some users defending his activism while others criticise his alleged tactics.

As the case progresses, it will likely serve as a litmus test for balancing freedom of speech with judicial fairness. For now, Gitonga remains free on bail but under strict instructions to refrain from discussing the case online.

The outcome of this high-profile extortion case could set a precedent for how Kenyan courts handle similar disputes involving social media influencers.

The public and legal observers await further developments, particularly the High Court's ruling on the gag order challenge.

With the next hearing scheduled for October, the case continues to draw attention to the intersection of digital activism, legal accountability, and corporate reputation in Kenya's evolving judicial landscape.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.