A Nairobi court has denied bail to Francis Kamau Karanja, who is facing a cyber harassment charge over a message allegedly sent to a magistrate at the Milimani Law Courts.
The court cited concerns about possible witness interference and the need to protect the alleged victim as it declined to release Karanja on bail.
Karanja has denied the charge of cyber harassment, contrary to Section 27(1)(a), as read with Section 27(2), of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
According to the charge sheet, the prosecution alleges that Karanja sent a message on September 28, 2026, to a mobile phone number registered in the name of Magistrate Margaret Murage.
The State claims that the message referred to the handling of a case involving Gabriel Saka and contained words likely to cause fear or apprehension of violence against the judicial officer.
The allegations have not been proved in court, and Karanja remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Opposing his release, the prosecution told the court that the case required special attention because the alleged victim is a judicial officer.
The State further claimed that the message had caused Murage to fear for her safety, forcing her to avoid using her residence and vehicle.
Prosecutors urged the court to consider the Judiciary Bail and Bond Policy Guidelines, arguing that the safety of the alleged victim and the possibility of interference with witnesses were important factors in deciding whether Karanja should be released.
The prosecution maintained that releasing the accused could create risks that needed to be addressed before bail could be granted.
However, Karanja's lawyer, Muriithi Mbaabu, asked the court to grant his client reasonable and lenient bail terms.
The defence argued that Karanja had been denied police bail without being given reasons for the decision.
Court proceedings show that Karanja was initially taken to Kilimani Police Station on Tuesday but was not presented in court that day.
He was later brought before the Kibera Law Courts on Wednesday. However, plea-taking was postponed after the prosecution asked for the case to be transferred to the Milimani Law Courts.
The Kibera court directed that Karanja be presented before Milimani Court 1 to take his plea. The court noted that proceeding with the matter in Kibera could raise concerns about possible claims of bias.
The case was subsequently handled at Milimani, where the court considered the bail question and declined to release the accused.
The decision means Karanja will remain in custody as the case continues, unless the court issues further orders.
The case highlights the legal questions surrounding the use of digital communication and the protection of individuals from alleged online harassment. It also places a focus on how courts assess bail applications where the prosecution raises concerns about the safety of an alleged victim.
Karanja will have the opportunity to defend himself as the case progresses, while the prosecution will be required to prove the allegations against him in court.
