By Andrew Kariuki

By Andrew KariukiDetectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested Bare Sahara Ahmed in connection with remarks captured in a viral video circulating on social media, which authorities say are inciteful and likely to undermine national cohesion.

According to the DCI, the arrest followed a review of the video alongside ongoing investigations aimed at establishing the full context and intent of the statements made.

The suspect is currently in custody and is being processed pending arraignment in court.

The arrest comes a day after the video sparked widespread outrage across social media platforms, with many Kenyans expressing concern over the nature of the remarks.

In the footage, Bare Sahara Ahmed is heard addressing CS Murkomen saying “We don’t want to see any non somali ocs or dcio in Garissa” She further addressed other non somalis living in Garissa saying “Wakae kwao ndio wafanye kazi, kila mtu anaelewana na mtu yake, Garissa county ni yetu si ya wajaluo, si ya wakamba na si ya wameru. It belongs to us (the somali community).”In a brazen message she further threatened to avenge her slain brotheren by saying that taking the life of any non somali “nywele ngumu” or Christian she comes across in Garissa County is “fair” “wenye wanatuua ni wakristu, dini inasema mtu akiua mwingine, kulipia hio deni ya kuua mwingine, ni kumua ule aliua huyo mtu….na dini imesema ule mtu ameua mwingine, ukikosa, utaua family yake, ama baba ama brother…tukiua nywele ngumu that is… Tit for tat is fair… Sasa tunaweza fanya mambo yote.”

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations reiterated that while freedom of expression is protected under the Constitution, it must be exercised responsibly and within the law.

“Freedom of expression, as enshrined in the Constitution, must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law. Utterances that may incite division, hatred, or threaten peaceful coexistence will be dealt with firmly and without exception,” the agency stated.

The developments come amid heightened tensions in Garissa following the killing of a taxi driver, allegedly by a police officer, which has triggered demands for justice from sections of the public.

Authorities have urged members of the public to remain calm and refrain from sharing inflammatory content that could escalate tensions, as investigations continue.