Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a man identified as Peter Maingi Kimani, also known as Menelik Kimani, following the circulation of a viral TikTok video in which he issued a direct challenge to William Ruto and made calls interpreted as incitement to violence.
In a statement released on Thursday, the DCI said Kimani was traced to a hideout in the Gachage area of Kiganjo, Gatundu South Sub-County, where he had allegedly gone into hiding after posting the video earlier in the week. He is currently undergoing processing ahead of his arraignment in court.
According to investigators, the video contained explicit statements directed at the President and the government, framed as a call for confrontation. In the clip, Kimani addressed the Head of State directly, declaring:
“President William Ruto; ignore me at your own risk. I ask for a challenge between me and your government.”
He went on to denounce democratic leadership, stating:
“A real king doesn’t come through the ballot box, a real king comes from the battlefield. Democracy has raised weak kings who come into power through lies and fooling the poor.”
In the same video, Kimani claimed royal and biblical lineage, asserting:
“Let me introduce myself; I am Menelik, son of King Solomon, son of King David. We are the royal blood, chosen and anointed by the creator of heaven and earth. We do not beg for power; we take it by force.”
The suspect further issued what he described as a seven-day ultimatum to the President, saying:
“For seven days, from today, prepare your army for war… If I lose, let every soldier in the field shoot me to death. But if I win, I shall be king.”
He added that failure to receive a response would prompt him to “visit State House” and decide the President’s fate.
In its statement, the DCI said the remarks amounted to a threatening message and cautioned against the misuse of social media platforms to incite violence or undermine public order.
“While freedom of expression is guaranteed in the Constitution, its enjoyment should not be used as a tool to promote or justify the violation of the rights of others,” the agency said.
The DCI further warned that it would continue to act decisively against online content deemed to pose risks to national security.
“The Directorate reiterates that no effort will be spared in addressing any irresponsible use of social media, especially where there is a threat to peace and security,” the statement added.
The arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny of online speech and the growing influence of social media platforms in shaping public discourse, as authorities balance constitutional freedoms with the need to safeguard public safety and stability.
