Popular Kenyan TikToker Joseph Gitonga Kihanya, known as Gitonga Archives, was arrested in Nakuru and remanded in Nairobi pending a bail hearing on October 26. According to reports, Gitonga was taken into custody after a warrant was issued for his failure to appear in court on a KSh500,000 extortion case. The warrant was issued on August 22 by Magistrate Grace Ouko. Gitonga's arrest was a result of his non-appearance at a prior hearing.
Gitonga was transferred to Nairobi on the morning of Friday, October 9, and presented before the City Court. His lawyer, Joshua Nyamori, sought reinstatement of bail, citing his client's ill health as the reason for missing earlier hearings. However, no medical documentation was provided to substantiate the claim. The court subsequently cancelled Gitonga's existing bond and ordered him to remain in custody until a fresh bail application is heard.
Gitonga faces a charge of demanding property with menaces under Section 302 of the Penal Code. The alleged offence involves a joint effort with an unidentified accomplice to extort KSh500,000 from media service provider Amos Hunja Mwangi. Prosecutors claim the demand was linked to a TikTok video in which Gitonga claimed KSh1.6 billion had been stolen from a bank.
According to the complainant, Gitonga threatened further releases that could damage the bank's reputation if the money was not paid. Gitonga has denied the allegations and previously entered a not-guilty plea. He was initially released on cash bail of KSh50,000 or a bond of KSh100,000 pending trial.
State Counsel Rama Mwanaidi asked the court to prevent Gitonga from commenting on the case on social media, leading to a gag order that bars any public discussion of the proceedings. This order was made to prevent Gitonga from potentially influencing public opinion or tampering with evidence.
Gitonga's case has garnered significant attention due to his popularity on TikTok. His arrest and detention have raised questions about the influence of social media personalities and the limits of their freedom of expression. The case is set to continue on October 26, when Gitonga will make a fresh bail application.
The outcome of Gitonga's bail application and the progression of his case will be closely watched by both his fans and the general public. As a prominent figure on social media, Gitonga's actions and the allegations against him have sparked a wider conversation about accountability and responsibility among online influencers.
Key points
- Gitonga Archives was arrested in Nakuru and remanded in Nairobi over a KSh500,000 extortion charge.
- The TikTok star faces a charge of demanding property with menaces under Section 302 of the Penal Code.
- A gag order has been imposed on Gitonga, preventing him from commenting on the case on social media.
