Will Ruto testify? Student charged over false funeral post seeks review of charges

Through lawyer Danstan Omari, David Oaga Mokaya wants to know whether President William Ruto will be called to testify in the matter.

"The student is charged with publishing a casket on Twitter. I have written to the DPP to review the charges on the citizen's right to criticize their leader, especially their president," the court was told.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) also told the court that they want to know whether the president will be called as a witness and challenged the jurisdiction of the case.

 "The accused was arrested in Eldoret, the issue of jurisdiction should be addressed in this matter.The president has not been listed as a witness and we would like to know whether he will be called to testify," the court heard.

The court directed that the matter be mentioned on January 28 when the issue of jurisdiction will be decided.

According to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the suspect, David Oaga Mokaya, allegedly posted the image on his X account, "Landlord @bozgabi," on November 13, 2024, claiming it was of President William Ruto's body leaving a funeral home.

The court was informed that the image, which depicted a casket draped in the Kenyan flag and escorted by military officers dressed in ceremonial uniforms, was fabricated to give a false impression that it involved the President.