Student who posted fake Ruto photos on social media to face full trial
Student David Oaga Mokaya who is charged with publishing false information about President William Ruto.
A university student charged with publishing false information about President William Ruto will face full trial after the State said it will not withdraw its case against him.
David Oaga Mokaya is facing charges of publishing false information and sharing an image of a funeral procession with misleading captions on social media.
"I have no instructions to withdraw the case against Mokaya. With no such instructions, l request this court to set it down for hearing," prosecuting counsel Sonia Njoki informed the court on Wednesday.
The State says the image, which depicted a casket draped in the Kenyan flag and escorted by military officers, was fabricated to give the false impression that it involved the Head of State.
According to the charge sheet, he allegedly posted the image on his X account, @bozgabi, on November 13, 2024, claiming it was of President Ruto's body leaving a funeral home.
Defence lawyers Danstan Omari and Ian Mutiso had sought a review of the charges against him.
Mutiso sought to know whether President Ruto, who is the victim of the alleged malicious publication, will testify in the case.
Further, Omari had inquired whether President Ruto has recorded a statement with the police.
The magistrate will begin hearing the case on May 29 this year.
Mokaya had denied the charges and is out on bond.