Kenya, Aug. 9 -- On August 5, 2025, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested TikToker Shedrack Omondi Okindo, alias Hon. Mosquito, in Miritini, Mombasa County, accusing him of inciting a revolution similar to Burkina Faso's uprisings through viral social media videos.
The state alleges that Okindo's provocative TikTok posts, military-style attire, and affiliation with the Fighting Brutality and Impunity (FBI) group were intended to mobilize resistance against President William Ruto's administration.
The arrest, which follows a video posted on August 1, 2025, has sparked debates about free speech, social media activism, and government overreach, with Embakasi East MP and advocate Babu Owino warning Ruto that Kenyans demand accountability or risk public backlash.
According to the DCI, Okindo's video contained direct threats against Ruto, demanding the release of FBI group leaders Patrick Osoi and Jackson Kihara, alias Cop Shakur, who face terrorism-related charges. "I warn you, Ruto, release Osoi and Cop Shakur. We are not Gen Z, we are not civilians. Our ways are different," Okindo stated in the clip, which prosecutors claim incited violence and mirrored revolutionary rhetoric seen in Burkina Faso's 2022 uprisings.
A search of his residence uncovered two pairs of tactical combat fatigues, three mobile phones, and a notebook with writings advocating "guerrilla resistance tactics" and "justice for freedom heroes," alongside documents linked to the unregistered Justice Direction Party. These findings have fuelled the state's narrative that Okindo was plotting a revolution.
Okindo's arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny of social media platforms in Kenya, where TikTok and X have become battlegrounds for political discourse.
The DCI, led by Director Mohamed Amin, emphasized that the video's viral spread triggered public concern, prompting swift action. "The inflammatory clip posed a threat to public order," Amin stated on X, highlighting the state's commitment to curbing digital incitement.
Prosecutors are investigating Okindo for sedition, incitement to violence, and wearing unauthorized uniforms, with a court appearance scheduled at Kahawa Law Courts.
The state's application to detain him for 14 days to probe his FBI group ties was partially heard by visiting Magistrate Meresia Opondo, with a ruling set for August 6, 2025.
Babu Owino, representing Okindo alongside lawyer Abner Mango, condemned the state's tactics, accusing the government of suppressing dissent.
"President Ruto, you must work for Kenyans, or they will disappoint you," Owino declared outside the courtroom, urging the government to focus on governance rather than targeting activists.
He argued that Okindo's videos, while provocative, reflect public frustration with systemic issues like police brutality and economic inequality.
The FBI group, comprising former security officers Osoi, Kihara, and Hiram Kimathi, claims to advocate for victims of extrajudicial killings, a cause Okindo championed in his posts. However, the state views the group as an anti-government movement with potential terror links.
Public reactions are mixed, with some users praising the DCI's swift response, while others argue the arrest infringes on free speech. Human rights groups have raised concerns about increasing state surveillance of digital platforms, urging a balance between security and civil liberties.
The case has drawn parallels to Burkina Faso's uprisings, where social media fuelled public unrest, though Okindo's supporters insist he is fighting for justice, not power.
"I'm not fighting for power; I'm fighting for a revolution of Kenya," Okindo reportedly said in a now-deleted video, a statement the state cites as evidence of seditious intent.
As Kenya grapples with political tensions post the 2024 Gen Z protests, Okindo's case highlights the growing influence of social media influencers in shaping public discourse.
The state's accusation of inciting revolution underscores fears of digital platforms amplifying unrest, but critics argue it risks stifling legitimate activism.
Owino's warning to Ruto reflects broader public demands for accountability, with many Kenyans watching closely for the case's outcome.
The legal battle over Okindo's alleged incitement of revolution will test Kenya's approach to balancing free expression with national security. Babu Owino's call for Ruto to address public grievances or face disappointment resonates with a populace frustrated by governance challenges.
The court's ruling on Okindo's detention will likely influence future cases involving digital activism.
In conclusion, the accusation that Hon. Mosquito is inciting a revolution has ignited a national debate about the role of social media in Kenya's political landscape.
As the case unfolds, it will challenge the boundaries of free speech and the state's response to dissent. Whether Okindo's actions constitute a legitimate call for justice or a dangerous incitement of revolution remains a contentious issue, with implications for Kenya's democratic future.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.