The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed the arrest of popular TikTok content creator and businessman Godfrey Mwasiaga, popularly known as Kakan Maiyo, over a viral video in which he strongly criticised police brutality and called for the ouster of President William Ruto.
Maiyo, who runs LetaPeleka Logistics and commands a large online following for his bold political commentaries, was arrested on Wednesday afternoon in Nairobi’s Central Business District. According to a statement from the DCI, plainclothes detectives tracked him to his office on the 5th floor of Kimathi House.
Detectives trailed the suspect to Kimathi House, where he was operating a discreet office under the name LetaPeleka Logistics. He is currently in custody undergoing processing, pending arraignment,” read the DCI statement released early Thursday morning.
Footage circulating online showed three men, believed to be plainclothes police officers, pinning Maiyo against a wall inside a corridor before leading him away without explanation.
Content of the Controversial Video
In the video that triggered his arrest, Kakan Maiyo condemned the government for allegedly orchestrating the killings of peaceful protesters. Referring to the deaths of over 30 people during the July 7, 2025 Saba Saba protests, he accused the state of sending police to use lethal force against unarmed citizens.
Protesting is our right. It’s in the Constitution. Being killed is not. We must reject the mentality that normalizes police killings,” said Maiyo in the video.
He also warned law enforcement officers involved in abductions and extrajudicial killings, stating they would eventually be held accountable.
Police should come knowing if they try to harass and try to kill people things will turn, We can’t jus sit and see our country go down because of one individual,” he said.
Maiyo went further to call for President Ruto’s resignation, arguing that justice for those killed could not be achieved through dialogue. He warned that the grace period for Ruto to exit willingly was ending.
“Ruto must go, either by his own will or by our power. No amount of guns or police machinery will stop us from removing him. We are determined to reset this country,” he declared.
Human Rights and Political Reactions
Maiyo’s arrest has sparked immediate backlash from digital rights activists and civil society groups, who argue that his detention amounts to state suppression of free speech.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) recently confirmed that at least 31 people were killed, 107 injured, two disappeared, and over 500 arrested during and after the Saba Saba demonstrations. The figures have added weight to concerns that security agencies have engaged in widespread human rights abuses.
Escalating Crackdown on Dissent
Maiyo’s arrest comes amid a broader crackdown on online activism in Kenya, especially following the resurgence of youth-led protests spearheaded by the Gen Z. Civil liberties advocates say the state is increasingly targeting vocal influencers using vague incitement charges.
The Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG) also accused the government of deploying masked, militarized police units using unmarked vehicles, further undermining accountability.
As of Thursday morning, Kakan Maiyo remained in police custody.
