Nairobi — Digital strategist Dennis Itumbi has retracted his earlier statement regarding the whereabouts of missing content creator Billy Simani, known as Crazy Nairobian, hours after claiming he had been released from custody.
The blogger was arrested for reportedly mocking a senior government official.
Initially, Itumbi announced Simani's release on bond following the withdrawal of accusations against him, stating, "Asante, for the withdrawal of the complaint. Crazy Nairobian released on Free Bond. Enjoy Freedom Billy," in a now-deleted post on X.
However, Itumbi later clarified that the released individual was not Simani but another content creator, Wafula Bwire, who had allegedly been detained for threatening a senior government official.
"CLARIFICATION: THE content creator arrested for threatening a senior public servant is WAFULA BWIRE - he was FREED this evening after the complaint was withdrawn. His relatives received him," Itumbi explained. Itumbi also mentioned the release of Stephen Kariuki, held in Nakuru on a similar charge, prompting questions about Simani's location. He noted efforts to verify Simani's status with the police.
Itumbi's clarification sparked outrage among Kenyans on X, where a day-long Space with over 60,000 participants demanded answers on Simani's whereabouts. The ongoing discussion pressured state officials to disclose information regarding the content creator. Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen briefly addressed the issue during the Space, expressing his unawareness but promising to escalate the matter to relevant authorities.
Earlier, a coalition of human rights defenders and content creators, including Amnesty International and the Law Society, issued a joint statement demanding transparency from the government regarding Simani's alleged detention. They accused the government of targeting protesters from recent anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, alleging intimidation tactics.
Twenty-five human rights organizations have collectively urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to clarify Simani's situation, highlighting concerns over his reported incommunicado detention.
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Bruhan Makong reports on security, human rights, and global affairs. He is passionate about uncovering the truth, amplifying the voices often drowned in silence, and holding those in power to account.
