In a statement released on Wednesday, May 27, the DCI said Kawala, aged 33, was arrested on Tuesday evening over allegations of making inflammatory public statements directed at President William Ruto.
The agency stated that the remarks, which have been widely circulated online, were considered inciteful and posed a threat to public cohesion and national stability.
“Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a suspect linked to inflammatory public utterances that have gone viral across social media platforms, with content deemed highly inciteful and a serious threat to public cohesion and national stability,” the statement read.
According to the DCI, the arrest followed investigations into statements attributed to Kawala that allegedly gained traction on social media platforms, drawing concern from security agencies.
Kawala is a known leader within the Jacaranda Bunge La Mwananchi movement, a civic forum that brings together members of the public to discuss governance, leadership, and socio-economic issues affecting residents.
His arrest comes amid growing public debate on the boundaries of free speech and the regulation of online content, particularly where statements are deemed to incite tension or public disorder.
The DCI did not immediately disclose where Kawala is being held or the specific charges he may face in court.
However, the agency indicated that investigations are ongoing and further action will be taken in accordance with the law.
Earlier claims circulating on social media had suggested that Kawala had been abducted by unknown individuals, sparking concern among his supporters and human rights advocates.
These claims were later clarified following the DCI statement confirming that he was in lawful custody.
The clarification is expected to ease rising tensions and speculation surrounding his whereabouts, which had become a subject of heated discussion online.
Security agencies have in recent months intensified monitoring of online platforms, warning against the spread of misinformation and content that could potentially incite violence or disrupt public order.
At the same time, civil society groups have continued to raise concerns over arrests linked to online expression, calling for a balance between national security and the protection of constitutional freedoms, including freedom of expression.
Authorities have urged members of the public to exercise caution when sharing information online and to verify facts before circulating unconfirmed reports, especially those involving security operations or arrests.