The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has officially confirmed the release of Kelvin Moinde, a Kisii-based blogger who was recently arrested on suspicion of publishing false information. Moinde’s arrest and subsequent release have stirred public debate, especially due to its eerie timing—occurring on the same day as the arrest and eventual death of fellow blogger Albert Ojwang.
Arrest of Kelvin Moinde: What Happened?
According to preliminary reports, Kelvin Moinde was apprehended on Saturday, June 7, 2025, in Kisii by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). He was swiftly transported to Nairobi, where he was detained at Kamukunji Police Station, reportedly for publishing social media content deemed defamatory toward Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.
The arrest raised eyebrows almost immediately, as Moinde is known in local digital media circles for his outspoken commentary on governance and law enforcement. Rights activists and online users quickly condemned the action, branding it as an attempt to muzzle freedom of expression.
ODPP Says No Charges for Lack of Evidence
In a significant development, the ODPP, through its verified X (formerly Twitter) account, announced on Monday, June 9, that Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Igonga had reviewed the case file and found no sufficient evidence to press charges.
“Upon careful perusal of the inquiry file, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is satisfied that there is NO sufficient evidence to charge Mr. Kelvin Moinde,” the ODPP statement read.
This official communication has sparked relief among free speech advocates and legal experts, who argue that the arrest appeared to be more punitive than procedural.
The Chilling Parallel: Death of Blogger Albert Ojwang
Kelvin Moinde’s arrest happened the same day as Albert Ojwang’s, a case that has taken a far more tragic turn. Ojwang, another prominent digital commentator, was arrested in Homa Bay and transported to Central Police Station, Nairobi. He died shortly after being taken into custody, with police claiming he sustained head injuries after allegedly hitting a wall.
The family of Albert Ojwang and a growing number of civil society organizations have questioned the official narrative and demanded an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Eliud Lagat at the Center of Both Cases
A common denominator in both Moinde and Ojwang’s arrests is Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat. Both bloggers had reportedly published content online that cast the senior police officer in a negative light. According to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Lagat formally lodged complaints with the police, prompting the arrests.
“There was a complaint that had been logged by the DIG KPS (Eliud Lagat) that his name was being tarnished, and that is why Albert Ojwang was arrested,” IG Kanja said in a statement.
However, IG Kanja denied any misconduct during Ojwang’s detention, maintaining that no police brutality occurred and that the matter was under internal review.
Political Pressure Mounts: Deputy President Calls for Suspension
Meanwhile, the political temperature surrounding the issue has soared. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua made a bold statement on Monday, calling for the suspension of DIG Lagat. He accused Lagat of personally managing both Kamukunji and Central Police Stations without the knowledge or oversight of the IG.
“People are complaining that those two stations have become the new torture chambers. That is the reason Albert had to be moved from Homa Bay to Central Police Station in Nairobi,” Gachagua alleged.
The Deputy President’s remarks have fueled public suspicion of systemic abuses within the police service and intensified calls for comprehensive reforms.
Civil Rights Groups Demand Accountability
Several civil rights organizations, including Amnesty International Kenya, Defenders Coalition, and the Law Society of Kenya, have issued joint statements urging the government to thoroughly investigate the deaths and detentions linked to social media content.
These organizations argue that the arrests of Moinde and Ojwang could be part of a broader trend aimed at stifling online dissent. They have also questioned the independence of police operations and demanded the resignation or suspension of any officials implicated in misconduct.
Social Media Reactions and Hashtag Campaigns
Kenyan netizens have turned to platforms like X and Facebook to express outrage over the developments. Hashtags such as #JusticeForOjwang, #FreeKelvinMoinde, and #StopPoliceAbuse have been trending, as citizens continue to call for justice, transparency, and reform.
Some users highlighted the irony that Moinde was released due to lack of evidence, while Ojwang—facing a similar accusation—died in custody under unexplained circumstances. The apparent selective application of justice has become a central concern in public discourse.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Legal experts have pointed out that defamation cases involving public figures should ideally be handled in civil court, not criminalized through police action. Many are urging for the repeal or reform of Kenya’s cybercrime laws, which are often invoked in cases involving criticism of government officials.
“We need to ask why law enforcement is being used to arrest people for posting opinions. There’s a clear need to uphold freedom of speech and proper legal procedure,” said constitutional lawyer Martha Nyambura.
What Next for Moinde and Ojwang’s Cases?
While Kelvin Moinde walks free, the larger question of accountability remains unresolved—especially in the case of Albert Ojwang’s death. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is reportedly launching its own investigation, and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) was also involved in Ojwang’s autopsy process.
The country waits for autopsy results and further investigations to clarify what happened behind the closed doors of the Central Police Station. Meanwhile, Moinde has not publicly commented on his release, although sources close to him suggest he intends to pursue legal redress for wrongful arrest.