Freelance journalist Yassin Juma arrested for posting updates of Al-Shabaab attack at KDF camp

Freelance journalist Yassin Juma was yesterday, 23rd of January 2016 arrested and held by police for posting updates on his social media accounts of the Al- Shabaab attack to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) camp at El-Adde. Al-Shabaab attacked the camp on 15th of January 2016 in which an unknown number of KDF soldiers were killed.

Yassin Juma picked from his house by CID @ahmednasirlaw, held at Muthaiga police station #FreeYassinJuma

— Abdullahi Derow (@AbdullahiDerow) January 23, 2016

Yassin formerly worked at the investigative desk at NTV before switching to freelance journalism. He frequently goes to Somalia for journalism assignments. Moreover, he uses his Facebook and Twitter accounts to provide constant security updates.  

@Yassinjuma has got sources, news & audience. Can you imagine US&Mexico arresting Sean Penn for beating them to El Chapo? #FreeYassinJuma — Alphonce Shiundu (@Shiundu) January 23, 2016

Police used section 29 of the Kenya Information and Communications (KICA) Act 2009 to detain him. Improper use of system is defined as when a person;

(a) sends a message or other matter that is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character; or

(b) sends a message that he knows to be false for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another person

commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding fifty thousand shillings, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months, or to both.

Kenyans protesting against arrest of local journalist Yassin Juma -using the hashtag #FreeYassinJuma pic.twitter.com/CDmZ1G6Eu1

— Samira Sawlani (@samirasawlani) January 23, 2016

Comms gadget misuse law is greater threat to democracy than any posts seen. Substantiate or #FreeYassinJuma now! #FreeSpeech

— #FreeYassinJuma (@irunguhoughton) January 23, 2016

Yassin Juma felt his arrest was imminent

He shared his fears of being arrested with me on 21st Jan 2016. I encouraged him to stay put and now #FreeYassinJuma pic.twitter.com/8PeYuHf065

— Abdirahman Issack (@Wajia02) January 23, 2016

  Kenyans took to social media to criticize this move

When we bury the TRUTH and continue dancing around it in falsehoods, it will eventually germinate and catch up with us. #FreeYassinJuma — Dennis Onsarigo (@Donsarigo) January 23, 2016

Haki no, on this one you are absolutely wrong, focus on obvious internal sellouts…at the very top even…. and …please #freeyassinjuma

— Ory Okolloh Mwangi (@kenyanpundit) January 23, 2016

What’s next? Misuse of a press release, a press conference, a comment or a free thought? #FreeYassinJuma — #FreeYassinJuma (@irunguhoughton) January 23, 2016

Arrest of @Yassinjuma the latest affront on journalism and free speech. Kenya gov’t prides itself in opaqueness. Resist! #FreeYassinJuma

— Maskani Ya Taifa (@Maskani254) January 23, 2016

Freedom of the press is the cornerstone of democracy. Arresting jornalists for doing their job is an attempt to stiffle it. #FreeYassinJuma — Michael Qimm (@qimanzy) January 24, 2016

Speak out about corruption the govt calls you cord sympathiser,speak out about insecurity and you r a terrorist sympathiser #FreeYassinJuma

— jay (@DaCofeeguy) January 24, 2016

Now the land is turning to a dictatorial government,people and specially journalist denied freedom of speech. #FreeYassinJuma — Ahmed Abdille (@AhmedAbdille3) January 24, 2016

We are in information age. No amount of intimidation will ever stop the public from getting facts. #FreeYassinJuma

— ABWAJO (@GeorgeAbwajo) January 24, 2016

Why all these arrests ? Why are the police detaining bloggers for more than 24 hours w/o trial #FreeYassinJuma — Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) January 23, 2016

#MartialLawKE Because we refuse to sing praises of our govt, for asking a question. Who is next? #FreeYassinJuma pic.twitter.com/ZEtClH3RcH — Gibson Maina (@GGwaGhetto) January 23, 2016