Garissa Woman Charged Over Alleged Hate Speech in Viral Video, Released on Bail
A woman from Garissa County has been charged over alleged hate speech linked to a viral social media video that prompted a police investigation. She pleaded not guilty before a Nairobi court and was released on bail pending further proceedings.
NAIROBI (Somali Report) — A woman from Garissa County has been charged over alleged hate speech after reportedly making inflammatory remarks in a video that circulated widely on social media.
Sahara Ahmed Barre appeared before the Kahawa Law Courts on Thursday, where she was formally charged under Section 62(1) of Kenya's National Cohesion and Integration Act, 2008.
Barre denied the charge and pleaded not guilty.
The court released her on a cash bail of KSh200,000 or an alternative bond of KSh1 million with a surety of a similar amount. The case is scheduled for mention on June 22, 2026.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the charges stem from statements allegedly made in a viral video that attracted widespread public attention and prompted an investigation by detectives.
Investigators reviewed the footage before concluding that the remarks were potentially inciteful and capable of undermining national cohesion and peaceful coexistence among communities.
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In a statement, the DCI reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law impartially while safeguarding public order and national unity.
"The Directorate of Criminal Investigations remains committed to protecting national cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and public order through impartial enforcement of the law," the agency said.
Authorities also urged Kenyans to exercise their constitutional freedoms responsibly, warning against sharing content that could promote hatred, division, or violence.
The case comes amid increasing scrutiny of online content and growing efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb hate speech on social media platforms, where inflammatory messages can spread rapidly and reach large audiences.
Officials have repeatedly warned that freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law, emphasizing that statements capable of inciting hatred or threatening peaceful coexistence will be dealt with firmly.
About the Author
Mohamed Farah is a senior editor at Somali Report, based in London, covering geopolitics, trade, business, and security across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.