Nuru Okanga Faces Charges of Publishing False Information and Operating Without License

Nuru Maloba Okanga, a staunch supporter of ODM leader Raila Odinga, appeared before a Nairobi court where he was charged with publishing false information and providing telecommunications services without a valid license.

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Okanga, a student at Mwangaza Secondary School in Kayole, denied three counts leveled against him before Milimani Chief Magistrate Bernard Ochoi.

According to the prosecution, between June 7 and 10, 2024, Okanga unlawfully published false, defamatory, and threatening information online using the TikTok account @ribanews and siasa.tv.ke.backup. The posts were alleged to have been aimed at causing fear, panic, and damaging the reputation of the country’s executive leadership.

Prosecutors further stated that these actions violated the terms of the license issued to Riba News.

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In defense, lawyer Shadrack Wambui requested the court to grant Okanga reasonable bail terms, emphasizing his client’s financial dependency on sponsors for school fees and his family responsibilities, including a wife and child currently hospitalized at Kenyatta National Hospital.

Wambui highlighted that Okanga had been in custody since his arrest on June 11, 2024, and urged the court to consider his status as a frequent court user when setting bail.

State prosecutor James Gachoka did not oppose the bail application.

After considering the defense’s plea, Magistrate Ochoi granted Okanga the option of a cash bail of Sh 100,000 or an alternative bond of Sh 200,000, with one contact person.

The case was scheduled for mention on July 3, 2024, for further directions.