A Nairobi court has released a teacher who was accused of impersonating President William Ruto’s daughter on social media.
Samwel Mogwasi Mainga, a Junior Secondary School teacher, was arraigned in court on Thursday, where the prosecution sought to have him detained for seven days to allow for further investigations.
However, Magistrate Robinson Ondieki ruled against the prosecution’s request, emphasizing that bail is a constitutional right under Article 49 of the Kenyan Constitution.
He stated that unless there are compelling reasons to deny bail, a suspect should be released pending the hearing and determination of their case.
Magistrate Ondieki noted that the reasons presented by the investigating officer did not meet the threshold of “compelling reasons.” He also pointed out that the court had seen no indication that the suspect could interfere with the collection or processing of evidence.
As a result, the court granted Mainga release on a cash bail of Ksh 50,000.
Mainga was arrested on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Mombasa County on suspicion of offenses under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
