Another prosecution case crumbles over laughably weak digital evidence. A court in Nairobi cleared political activist Nuru Okanga after prosecutors totally botched linking him to a social media video. They accused him of posting threatening remarks aimed at the Head of State on platforms like TikTok.
The investigating officer admitted he was no expert on video authenticity. He relied on a report from communications authorities without personally analyzing the clip. A digital analyst testified that the video wasn't pulled from Okanga's devices, and their tools had reliability issues.
The court found no proof that Okanga created or uploaded the content. Procedures for handling electronic evidence were not followed, breaking the chain of custody rules. With no case established, the magistrate acquitted Okanga under the criminal procedure code.
Lawmaker Babu Owino represented Okanga, calling the verdict a lifesaving legal victory. He thanked the defense team for their commitment, stating that hope had ultimately prevailed. The ruling highlighted significant failures in evidence gathering for the prosecution's charges.
The investigating officer admitted he was no expert on video authenticity. He relied on a report from communications authorities without personally analyzing the clip. A digital analyst testified that the video wasn't pulled from Okanga's devices, and their tools had reliability issues.
The court found no proof that Okanga created or uploaded the content. Procedures for handling electronic evidence were not followed, breaking the chain of custody rules. With no case established, the magistrate acquitted Okanga under the criminal procedure code.
Lawmaker Babu Owino represented Okanga, calling the verdict a lifesaving legal victory. He thanked the defense team for their commitment, stating that hope had ultimately prevailed. The ruling highlighted significant failures in evidence gathering for the prosecution's charges.
