TikToker Freed After Arrest Over Video Calling for Coup Against William Ruto

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kenyan TikToker who posted a viral video calling for a coup and challenging President William Ruto to a “battlefield confrontation” has been released, days after his arrest by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Peter Maingi Kimani, also known online as Menelik Kimani, was arrested on February 26 from the Gachage area of Kiganjo in Gatundu South Sub-County. Authorities said he had gone into hiding following the circulation of a video in which he made remarks interpreted as calling for the unconstitutional removal of the Head of State.

He was released the following day, February 27, and later resurfaced on TikTok through a newly created account. In a video posted on Sunday, Kimani confirmed that he was home and safe but claimed that officers confiscated his mobile phone during the arrest.

“I was arrested on Thursday and released on Friday. I am home and okay. The main issue is that my phone is being withheld by the police,” he said in the clip, urging followers to subscribe to his new account.

Legal Questions Surrounding Phone Seizure

The incident has drawn attention from activists and members of the public. Activist Mwabili Mwagodi said he visited Kimani at his parents’ home in Cura village, Kiganjo, after his release. He confirmed that legal representation had been secured for the TikToker.

Mwagodi questioned the legality of the phone’s confiscation, arguing that such action typically requires authorization by a magistrate or judge. Under Kenyan law, digital devices may be seized as part of investigations, particularly in cases involving alleged incitement or threats to national security. However, legal experts note that due process must be followed, including obtaining appropriate warrants where required.

As of the time of publication, the DCI had not publicly detailed the specific charges, if any, that Kimani may face.

Public Reaction Divided

Kimani’s arrest sparked mixed reactions online. Some Kenyans criticized the authorities, arguing that the arrest raised concerns about freedom of expression and whether social media commentary, however controversial, should result in detention.

Others took a different view, stating that openly calling for a coup crosses the line from political speech into potential criminal conduct. Kenya’s Constitution protects freedom of expression but also limits speech that amounts to incitement to violence, hate speech, or actions aimed at undermining constitutional order.

Legal analysts point out that advocating for a coup, even rhetorically, may attract scrutiny under laws relating to national security, incitement, or attempts to subvert constitutional authority. Whether prosecutors pursue formal charges will likely depend on the exact wording of the video and the evidence gathered by investigators.

The Broader Context

The episode highlights the growing tension between digital expression and state authority in Kenya’s fast-evolving social media landscape. Platforms like TikTok have given young creators massive reach, but they have also amplified the legal risks associated with provocative political statements.

For content creators, the case serves as a reminder that online speech carries real-world consequences, particularly when it involves threats, calls for violence, or unconstitutional actions. For authorities, it raises ongoing questions about proportionality, due process, and the balance between national security and civil liberties.

Kimani remains free as the situation develops, but the legal and political implications of his video continue to fuel debate across the country.

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