Fourth-year Moi University student David Oaga Mokaya walked out of court a free man after Principal Magistrate Caroline Nyaguthii acquitted him of publishing false information about President William Ruto. The prosecution had accused Mokaya of posting a misleading image on X (formerly Twitter) on November 13, 2024, that allegedly suggested the President’s death — a doctored funeral procession photo that went viral.

But the court ruled the State failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Mokaya was behind the post or that it caused any harm. “The prosecution has glaring gaps in evidence,” the magistrate stated, freeing him under Section 215 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Mokaya, a digital content creator from Eldoret, had been dragged through months of legal battle — including Safaricom handing over his data without a court order, as admitted in court by DCI officers.

Campus Pulse take: This isn’t just one student’s victory — it’s every voice on every campus WhatsApp group and X timeline. In an era where students are constantly told to “stay in your lane,” today’s ruling screams: campus voices matter. We’ve seen too many young Kenyans criminalised for asking questions or memeing power. David’s acquittal sends a clear message — you can’t silence the next generation with fear.

Students from Moi, UoN, KU and beyond are already trending #Mokaya. What’s your take? Has fear ever stopped you from speaking truth online?