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New Twist as police deny releasing Crazy Nairobian

It is not clear now whether he is being detained by police or not.

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by SHARON MWENDE

News22 June 2024 - 18:04
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In Summary


  • Police at Muthaiga police station said they were not holding Simani.
  • They said they had only Bwire since Friday after he had been taken there by a team from DCI headquarters.
Kenyan content creator Billy Simani popularly known as “Crazy Nairobian”

Kenyan content creator Billy Simani popularly known as “Crazy Nairobian” is yet to be released.

It is also unknown where he is being detained if any, his family and friends said.

There was confusion earlier on Saturday evening when police released another detained content creator, Kevin Wafula Bwire, from Muthaiga police station.

This made those present mistake it for Simani.

Police at Muthaiga police station said they were not holding Simani.

They said they had only Bwire since Friday after he had been taken there by a team from DCI headquarters.

Speaking to The Star, Bwire said he was told to be ready for a court appearance on Monday.

“They said they are not yet through with their probe and released on freed bond ahead of planned court appearances on Monday. They claim I abused a political leader,” he said.

Later on, blogger Dennis Itumbi who had been pushing for Simani’s release said he had been misled and misinformed about the issue.

“The content creator arrested for threatening a senior public servant is WAFULA BWIRE - he was FREED this evening after the complaint was withdrawn. His relatives received him.”

“Also freed was Stephen Kariuki, who was being held in Nakuru on a similar offence. So, where is Billy? Anyone with details on where he was arrested, please DM. Let us trace him, I have also requested the Police to check if Billy Simani is in their custody,” said Itumbi in a post.

This attracted more condemnation from Kenyans.

There is pressure from other content creators, human rights organizations and lawyers for the release of Simani.

A platform on X, formerly, Twitter had been created to discuss the issue and attracted the attention of more than 55,000 followers including President William Ruto.

He was arrested Friday over claims of sending threatening messages to an undisclosed person.

Simani is among those who have been detained over ongoing protests over a proposed increase in taxes.

More protesters are planning to come out on Tuesday when Members of Parliament will vote on the proposed taxes.

Anti-riot police have been mobilized to man Parliament and State House, Nairobi over the protests.

The protesters have said they will be peaceful and asked for police protection.

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