Police arrest WhatsApp group admin over fake news
Police in Kajiado County have arrested the admin of a popular WhatsApp group in the county allegedly for spreading false information on the social media platform.
Longton Jamil, who is the administrator of Kajiado Unity of Purpose WhatsApp group, was picked up by CID officers in Kitengela and detained at Isinya Police Station.
Kajiado County Commissioner Harsama Kello confirmed the arrest and said that Mr Jamil would be charged in court on Monday.
PROPAGANDA
“He was spreading alarming propaganda on social media, including disturbing pictures of dead people,” said Mr Kello. “We want to warn people who misuse media to create anarchy, that their days are numbered. We will arrest more in the next two days.”
However, Mr Jamil, who is a businessman in Kitengela, denied posting any such information.
“The group has many members and anyone can post anything at any time. I have on several occasions warned members against posting unverified information,” Mr Jamil told to the Nation.
Police spokesman Charles Owino also confirmed the arrest during a live interview during the 9pm news on Saturday.
