Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations arrested Peter Maingi Kimani, better known as Menelik Kimani, in Gatundu South after he posted this threatening video on TikTok that stirred up concerns about public safety.
The arrest happened late Wednesday in the Gachage area of Kiganjo, where the suspect had gone into hiding right after uploading the clip earlier this week. Officers tracked him down through intelligence work and pulled him out of his spot without much trouble. He’s now back at DCI headquarters getting processed, with court expected soon on charges tied to the content he shared. Watch the threatening video posted on TikTok.
DCI put out a clear statement Thursday reminding everyone that Kenya’s Constitution protects free speech, but that right stops short when it starts pushing threats or harming others’ rights.
They made it plain: no one gets a free pass on social media if posts cross into territory that endangers peace or security. The agency says they’ll keep chasing down cases like this without letting up.
From what reports say, the video contained a direct threatening message – some online chatter mentions a rant vowing to confront or fight President William Ruto, though DCI keeps details tight and sticks to calling it a “threatening message”.
Whatever the exact words, it crossed a line fast enough for investigators to move quickly. TikTok clips spread like wildfire these days, and when they carry that kind of tone, authorities don’t wait around.
Menelik Kimani isn’t the first to land in hot water over online posts in Kenya. The platform has seen a string of arrests lately for everything from incitement to harassment, especially when videos target public figures or stir up trouble.
This one, coming right after other high-profile social media crackdowns, shows police staying alert to anything that could spark unrest. With elections still a year away and tensions sometimes running high, content that sounds aggressive gets extra scrutiny.
Locals in Gatundu South and nearby areas talk about the arrest spreading through group chats and evening conversations. Some see it as an overreach on free expression – why chase a guy for words online when real crimes happen daily?
Others back the move, saying loose talk can turn into real problems if left unchecked. One neighbour who asked not to be named said the suspect kept to himself mostly, but the video got people whispering.
DCI’s warning lands at a time when social media rules get tighter across the board. Platforms like TikTok face pressure to moderate faster, and governments push back against what they call misinformation or threats.
In Kenya, past cases involved creators arrested for videos harassing women or calling for violence against officers. Each time, the message stays the same: post what you want, but face consequences if it breaks the line.
For now, Menelik Kimani sits in custody while detectives wrap up paperwork. No word yet on bail or exact charges, but arraignment should clear that up quickly. The case reminds regular users to think twice before hitting record on something heated. Freedom online comes with responsibility, and authorities seem determined to enforce that boundary.
As clips from the arrest circulate and debates heat up online, this story keeps growing. Whether it leads to a slap on the wrist or something heavier depends on what the court hears. One thing’s sure: in 2026, posting a threat on TikTok can bring detectives to your door faster than you might expect.
