Blogger Robert Alai acquitted over improper use of ‘twitter’

Controversial blogger Robert Alai has been acquitted of charges of improper use of a licensed telecommunication system.

Nairobi Senior Principal Magistrate Martha Mutuku exonerated Alai of the charges under Section 87 of the Criminal Procedure Code, following an application by his lawyer Edward Oonge.

The challenge is based on the decision by the High Court, that declared as unconstitutional Section 29(B) of Kenya Information and Communication Act of 2009, which Alai had been charged under.

He had been charged that on the 18th of November 2015, he posted a message on his twitter account questioning the academic papers of EACC boss Halakhe Waqo, and also making corruption allegations against him.

In early January, Alai had been charged for allegedly posting false information intended to cause Waqo annoyance.

The blogger claimed that Waqo was hired using a fake degree from the University of Nairobi.

It is alleged the blogger argued that it is ironical for Waqo to investigate corrupt individuals whereas he holds a fake degree.

Alai, who was appearing before Milimani Chief Magistrate Daniel Ogembo, denied the charges and was freed on a Ksh 100,000 cash bail with a similar surety or an alternative bond of Ksh 30,000.