By Andrew Kariuki
A former Roman Catholic priest turned activist has been arrested by detectives over alleged online publications authorities claim advocated the unlawful overthrow of government through sustained protests, targeted destruction of property and the formation of an alternative administration.
The suspect, 44-year-old Edwin Gathangi Waiguru, was arrested in Kirigiti, Kiambu County, following what the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) described as a coordinated intelligence-led operation conducted by officers from its Headquarters-based Operation Action Team (OAT).
According to investigators, the arrest followed inquiries into content allegedly published on Waiguru’s Facebook page, “Kinta Kinte II,” which authorities claim outlined a plan for sustained street demonstrations throughout June 2026, tax boycotts, arson attacks targeting selected public and private property and the establishment of a parallel transitional administration.
Detectives say the content is being treated as potentially criminal and remains under forensic and evidential analysis to establish whether it crossed the legal threshold from political expression into unlawful incitement or attempts to subvert constitutional order.
In a development that has drawn public attention, Waiguru is described as an ordained former Roman Catholic priest who later joined the Catholic Charismatic Church, a splinter denomination that permits clergy to marry.
Despite leaving the Roman Catholic Church, investigators say he reportedly continued to wear clerical attire and had recently been associated with church-related activities in Nairobi’s Riruta area.
Following his arrest, Waiguru was taken to DCI Headquarters and handed over to the Serious Crime Unit for processing and further investigations.
Authorities indicated that he is expected to face charges under Section 40(1)(a)(iii) of the Penal Code, which criminalises attempts to unlawfully overthrow a constitutionally established government.
The DCI maintained that while freedom of expression remains protected under the Constitution, the right does not extend to speech or actions alleged to advocate violence, destruction of property or unconstitutional attempts to undermine governance.
“Freedom of expression remains a protected constitutional right, but the law draws a distinction between lawful dissent and actions that advocate violence, destruction of property or unconstitutional attempts to subvert governance structures,” investigators said.
The arrest comes days after another suspect, identified as David Onyango Elgon, alias MC Adek Tatu, was arrested in Mombasa over alleged inflammatory online content that authorities claimed triggered public concern.
The DCI warned that individuals found to have authored, published or distributed content deemed to incite violence or unlawful activity would face legal action, while urging Kenyans to exercise caution and responsibility in online engagement.
