Nairobi: Popular TikToker Arraigned Over Alleged Ksh 500,000 Extortion
- A popular TikToker was arraigned over allegations of extorting Ksh 500,000 from a media service provider linked to a local bank
- The court imposed a gag order preventing the accused from discussing the case on social media to safeguard the judicial process
- The accused pleaded not guilty and was released on bail, with strict set of conditions to safeguard the accused's dignity
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TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
A well-known TikTok activist found himself in court today, accused of demanding Ksh 500,000 from a media service provider connected to Co-operative Bank.
Source: Original
Joseph Gitonga appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Sharon Ouko, facing charges alongside an absent co-accused.
The charge sheet, obtained by TUKO.co.ke, revealed that Gitonga was charged with one count of demanding property by menace.
What is Joseph Gitonga being accused of?
It stated that between July 20 and July 25, within Nairobi County, Gitonga and another individual allegedly threatened and unlawfully demanded Ksh 500,000 from Amos Hunja Mwangi, a media service provider linked to the bank, with intent to steal.
Prosecutors described the offence as serious, stressing the unlawful and intimidating nature of the demand.
They argued that the accused’s influence as a public figure made the allegations even more concerning.
Gitonga’s lawyers, Joshua Nyamori and Black Omanga, argued that he had cooperated fully with police and posed no flight risk.
They asked the court for leniency on bail, citing his difficult financial circumstances. Omanga painted a picture of Gitonga as a man struggling with personal hardships, noting his wife had left him due to poverty.
“My client is a poor man whose wife left him. He does not have a wife. The wife ran away because he is a poor man," Omanga stated.
Despite the charges, Gitonga pleaded not guilty. However, the prosecution raised concerns about his social media activity.
State Counsel Rama Mwanaidi told the court that Gitonga had been posting details and commentary related to the case online, potentially undermining the judicial process and harming the complainant’s dignity.
She requested a gag order to prevent further posts or comments on any platform.
“The accused person has been publishing details of this matter. The posts include commentary that touches on this case. We want him restrained from posting or commenting directly or indirectly on any matter relating to the case on social media,” Mwanaidi submitted.
Court issues gag order on popular Nairobi TikToker
The court agreed, stressing the need to protect the integrity of the legal process and the privacy of those involved. Magistrate Ouko issued an order barring Gitonga from discussing or publishing any information related to the case.
“It’s always the case that a case before a court of law ought not be tried in the court of public opinion. Gag orders are therefore necessary to retain the sanctity of the court. A gag order is hereby issued restraining the accused from discussing or causing to be published on any platform matters pertaining to this case. A gag is necessary to protect the dignity of the complainant. The complainant has a right to not have his case tried in the court of public opinion,” Magistrate Ouko ruled.
Gitonga was released on a cash bail of Ksh 50,000 or a bond of Ksh 100,000, with strict conditions not to comment publicly on the case, to ensure the judicial process remains fair and unprejudiced.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
