Francis Kamau Karanja, a Kenyan businessman, will spend another night in police custody before his plea is taken at Milimani Law Courts on Thursday. He was charged with cyber-harassment of a Kibera magistrate. Karanja was presented before Kibera magistrate Victor Wakumile on Wednesday. The accused is alleged to have sent a threatening message to the magistrate via text.
The State alleges that the threatening message was sent on 28 September 2026 with the intention of causing fear to the judicial officer. The charge sheet records portions of the text. Karanja reportedly expressed concerns about bias in a case involving Gabriel Saka and threatened to take action to ensure justice was done. The message has been cited as a key part of the evidence against him.
Prosecutors asked that the case be transferred to Milimani Law Courts, arguing that keeping it at Kibera could raise questions about trial fairness. They emphasized that there was no suggestion of bias by the magistrate. Despite this, the case has been transferred to Milimani Law Courts for the plea hearing. Karanja's lawyer argued for his release on lenient bond terms.
Karanja's lawyer argued that his client had already spent excessive time in custody since his arrest on Monday. However, Magistrate Wakumile ordered that Karanja be transferred to the Milimani Chief Magistrate for plea-taking on 8 October 2026. The magistrate also ordered that Karanja spend the night at Kilimani Police Station before the Thursday hearing.
The case centres on allegations that Karanja used an electronic message to threaten the judicial officer over the handling of a separate matter involving Gabriel Saka. Karanja denied the charge. The accused will have his plea taken at Milimani Law Courts on Thursday. The court's decision on his bond terms and the progression of the case will be closely watched.
The Milimani Law Courts will play a crucial role in determining the next steps in the case against Francis Kamau Karanja. Karanja's plea hearing is scheduled for Thursday. The businessman is accused of cyber-harassment, a serious offence in Kenya. The courts will consider the evidence presented and make a determination on the case.
The outcome of the plea hearing could have significant implications for Karanja and the broader Kenyan justice system. The case has raised questions about the use of electronic communication to threaten judicial officers. The courts' handling of the case will be closely monitored by various stakeholders.
Key points
- Francis Kamau Karanja will remain in custody until his plea hearing at Milimani Law Courts on Thursday.
- Karanja is accused of cyber-harassment of a Kibera magistrate via a threatening text message.
- The case has been transferred to Milimani Law Courts to ensure a fair trial.
