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Woman in court for abusing Embu Governor on Facebook


A woman has appeared before a court in Embu accused of abusing area Governor Martin Wambora and spreading inciting statements on Facebook.

Nancy Mbindalah Maringa faced three counts of “using grossly offensive language”, a matter that could cause “pain, annoyance and torment” to Mr Wambora, contrary to Section 29 of the Kenyan Communications Act of 2009.

She further faced two counts of undermining authority of public officer contrary to Section 132 of the Penal Code.

Prosecutors said the latter offence was “calculated to bring disobedience to the lawful authority of Embu Governor Martin Wambora a public officer”.

SELECTIVE JUSTICE

The Nairobi News cannot reproduce the messages, which have been deemed offensive.

Ms Maringa, 24, is an intern with the department of Finance at the County Government.

She denied making the posts on diverse dates between February 4 and December 22 last year and was released on a Sh30,000 cash bail.

The case will be mentioned on March 9.

Ms Maringa appeared in court on the day social media users attacked the State for selective application of the law on hate speech.

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria was pardoned by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission after agreeing to issue a public apology over hate messages he had posted on his Facebook account last year.

Earlier this month, blogger “Lieutenant” Alan Wadi was jailed for was sentenced to a year in jail for insulting President Uhuru Kenyatta on social media.

Mr Wadi must also pay a fine of Sh200,000 or serve a second year.