A Nairobi court has terminated a cybercrime case against human rights activist and former prison officer Jackson Kuria Kihara, popularly known as “Cop Shakur,” over alleged publication of false information online.
The Milimani Law Courts dismissed the case on September 29, 2026, bringing to an end months of prosecution against Kihara, who had been charged under Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
Kihara was arrested on January 15, 2025, and accused of posting false information on his X account, formerly known as Twitter. He denied the charges and had been released on bond while the case proceeded.
The termination of the case comes months after the Court of Appeal declared Sections 22 and 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act unconstitutional in a landmark ruling delivered on March 6, 2026.
Despite the ruling, the prosecution had continued with Kihara’s case before it was eventually terminated by the Milimani court.
In a statement issued on October 5, 2026, the Defenders Coalition welcomed the decision, describing it as significant for freedom of expression and civic space in Kenya.
Defenders Coalition Executive Director Kamau Ngugi said the case demonstrated the risks of using criminal law provisions to prosecute people for exercising their constitutional right to freedom of expression.
Ngugi called on state authorities to respect court decisions and stop relying on laws that have been declared invalid to pursue activists, journalists and other citizens.
He further said constitutional rights are fundamental freedoms and not privileges granted by the government, urging authorities to protect an environment where citizens can hold those in power accountable without fear of harassment.
