Atheists’ Leader Mumia Charged Over Sharing False Images of President Ruto
Mumia has been charged under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018, after prosecutors accused him of circulating doctored images that suggested the President was critically ill or deceased
By : Mweru Mbugua
Harrison Nyende Mumia, the chairperson of Atheists in Kenya, appeared in court on Monday, January 5, 2026, facing charges of publishing false and misleading images of President William Ruto on social media
Mumia has been charged under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018, after prosecutors accused him of circulating doctored images that suggested the President was critically ill or deceased
Court documents indicate that the alleged offense took place on December 30, 2025, at an undisclosed location within the country
According to the prosecution, Mumia knowingly shared false information via Facebook and Instagram, fully aware that the content was untrue
The charge sheet further states that Mumia reportedly operated a Facebook account under the name Robinson Kipruto Ngetich, through which he published images showing President Ruto lying on a hospital bed, giving the false impression that he had died or was gravely ill
Similar allegations relate to posts made via his Instagram account, @harrisonmumia
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The state argues that the posts amounted to intentional dissemination of false information, an offense punishable under Section 22(1) of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018
Mumia was released on a cash bail of Ksh 500,000, pending further court proceedings
