A journalist was yesterday charged with allegedly publishing a false report on Local Government Minister Uhuru Kenyatta.

Nation reporter Francis Muriithi Muriuki denied the charge before Nairobi Chief Magistrate Boaz Olao and was released on a Sh50,000 cash bail.

The police allege that the journalist published a report saying that retired Anglican Archbishop David Gitari said President Moi's preferred successor, Mr Kenyatta "might not live to see the presidency".

The report in the Daily Nation of September 16, was likely to cause fear and alarm or disturb public peace.

Mr Muriuki was represented by lawyer Mohammed Nyaoga. He will be tried on October 16.

On Tuesday, President Moi said reports by Archbishop Gitari's about the succession should be investigated.