How DCI Tracked the Gatundu TikToker from a Viral Clip to a Gachage Hideout
In a swift operation that underscores the government’s zero-tolerance policy on digital threats, elite detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters apprehended a man in Gatundu South on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
The suspect had reportedly gone into hiding after his TikTok video—which contained explicit threats against President William Ruto—began circulating like wildfire across social media platforms earlier this week.
The Hunt: From TikTok to Gachage
The suspect thought he could evade the law by retreating to a remote hideout in the Gachage area of Kiganjo. However, DCI’s cybercrime unit utilized advanced forensic trails and intelligence-led leads to “smoke him out.”
The arrest marks a significant moment in 2026’s digital enforcement. Investigators believe the suspect holed up in the Kiganjo area specifically to dodge authorities who had flagged his inflammatory video as a threat to public safety and order. The clip allegedly went beyond mere criticism, touching on “spiritual war” and “coup” rhetoric that triggered an immediate security response.
The Legal Net: Stiffer 2026 Penalties
The suspect is currently being processed at the DCI headquarters in Nairobi. He is expected to face charges under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, which was recently tightened to address online criminal activities.
Under Section 27 of the Act, cyber harassment—especially content that targets national security or public officials—carries heavy penalties:
Fines: Up to Ksh 20 million.
Imprisonment: Up to 10 years.
Asset Seizure: Under the 2025 amendments, devices used to promote unlawful activities can be permanently confiscated or deactivated by court order.
A Warning to Content Creators
This arrest coincides with a broader push for digital accountability. Just this month, TikTok removed over 500,000 videos from its Kenyan platform to comply with local laws. This Gatundu case serves as a stark reminder that a “digital footprint” is nearly impossible to erase once a video goes viral.
DCI has reiterated that while freedom of expression is a constitutional right, it does not extend to threats that endanger national peace.
Quick Facts: The Gatundu Arrest
