TikToker Kakan Maiyo Arrested For Inciting Violence Against Police

Nairobi businessman and TikToker Godfrey Mwasiaga Kakan Maiyo was arrested Wednesday evening by plainclothes officers over a viral TikTok video that authorities say incited violence against police officers and their families.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced the arrest in the early hours of Thursday morning, stating that Maiyo had uploaded content to his TikTok account that promoted violence against law enforcement personnel.

“Godfrey Mwasiaga Kakan Maiyo, the suspect behind a viral video inciting violence against police officers and their families, has been arrested,” the DCI said in a statement posted on X.

According to investigators, Maiyo was apprehended at Kimathi House where he operated a discreet office under the name LetaPeleka Logistics. The arrest occurred around 6:45 PM on Wednesday, with video footage showing three men believed to be officers forcefully restraining Maiyo against a wall before leading him away.

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The businessman’s lawyer, David Ogara, confirmed that officers in two Subarus took Maiyo from his office, claiming they were transporting him to Capitol Hill Police Station. However, subsequent searches by his legal team and family at multiple facilities, including Capitol Hill, Central Police Station, and DCI headquarters, found no record of him being booked.

“We went there, but he was not booked in. We proceeded to the Nairobi Area, and he was also not there,” Ogara explained, adding that they were later informed Maiyo had been taken to DCI headquarters before being moved to an undisclosed police station.

Authorities said the arrest is part of a wider crackdown on individuals accused of spreading hate and inciting unrest amid recent anti-government protests.

Maiyo, who has built a significant following on TikTok and other social media platforms, had recently posted sharp criticisms of the government and security agencies over alleged extrajudicial operations and abductions. In a July 1 video, he directly addressed the DCI, warning against targeting innocent citizens and predicting consequences for those involved in such operations.

In a now deleted video, he allegedly asked the public to target the officers and their families.

A screenshot from the now deleted video.

The arrest comes amid heightened tensions following the Saba Saba protests on July 7, which resulted in significant violence and destruction. Maiyo had also participated in the viral #WeAreAllKikuyus campaign, which emerged in response to tribal profiling attempts following the protests.

According to the Kenya Human Rights Commission, at least two cases of enforced disappearances have been recorded since the protests began, alongside 107 injuries and 532 arrests as of July 8. The commission reports that 31 people have died in connection with the June 7 protests.

One of Maiyo’s associates revealed that the businessman had confided his fears about potential arrest due to his vocal online criticism of the government just two weeks prior to his detention.

The DCI stated that Maiyo is currently in custody undergoing processing pending arraignment, though his exact location remains unclear to his family and legal representatives. His disappearance adds to growing concerns about the treatment of government critics and social media users who speak out against authorities.

As of Thursday morning, Maiyo’s family continues to demand transparency from authorities regarding his whereabouts and safety, while his legal team pursues formal channels to locate and secure his release.

The arrest came on the very day President William Ruto issued a stern warning to those behind violent attacks on police officers and the destruction of public property.

Speaking in Kilimani while inspecting the construction of affordable police housing, Ruto labelled such acts as terrorism and vowed a firm government response.

“Nimewavumilia ya kutosha, sasa mtanikoma (I have tolerated you enough),” the President said, warning that attacking police officers and public installations would now be treated as a declaration of war against the state.

“This is no longer a protest, this is anarchy. And we will crush it without fear or favour,” he added.

President Ruto said the government would deploy all legal means to protect lives, businesses, and institutions.

He accused unnamed politicians of misleading youth and attempting unconstitutional regime change.

“To those plotting in the shadows, let me tell you clearly. If you have ambitions, prepare your policies and meet me in 2027. There is no shortcut, no backdoor,” Ruto warned.