Court releases blogger accused of insulting governor’s kin
The 25 year old blogger accused of insulting Nyeri governor Nderitu Gachagua’s brother on Facebook was on Wednesday released after the court established that her arrest was unprocedural.
Resident Magistrate John Aringo ordered the immediate release of Ms Martha Wanjiru Miano, setting aside his earlier orders to have her detained for seven days to allow the police to complete investigations.
Ms Miano was arrested on Monday at Karatina CDF offices where she works for Mathira MP Peter Weru.
She was alleged to have posted the messages on Facebook insulting Mr Rigathi Gachagua and county government officials.
SET FREE
“I have noted some erroneous issues in the application made by the investigating officer, therefore the suspect is set free,” said the Mr Aringo.
Mr Aringo however said that the prosecution can continue with their investigations and charge her with insulting charges after establishing their grounds to support the case.
Kiharu Mp Irungu Kangata, lawyers Muthui Kimani and Gichuhi Mwangi, poked holes on the prosecution’s application, saying they arrested Ms Miano before establishing the allegations made by the complainant.
“The investigating officer arrested my client before receiving a report from the cyber crime unit which would have disclosed if the suspect has committed any crime as alleged,” said Mr Kangata.
The prosecution led by State counsel Rebecca Mayeku had earlier opposed the release of Ms Miano saying that the assertions she had made are serious and likely to interfere with national cohesion.
