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Kenyans have been warned against posting alarming messages concerning the ongoing Coronavirus crisis in the country.
In a statement published by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), unconfirmed reports and misinformation of the public will also land some Kenyans online in jail.
DCI issued the warning after arresting one Elijah Muthui Kitonyo who tweeted, "The government lied to us," while commenting on a viral video of a woman who was said to have been the 27-year-old who was first diagnosed with the disease.
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A look at Elijah's Twitter profile revealed more alarming messages on the coronavirus infections in Kenya including an insinuation that members of the cabinet are infected.
DCI statement
"Elijah Muthui Kitonyo aged 23 years has been arrested in Mwingi for publishing misleading and alarming information on Corona virus. He will be charged for publishing false information that is calculated or results in panic contrary to section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act of 2018.
"We urge members of the public to be responsible and to desist from authoring, publishing or sharing unconfirmed information that may cause panic and anxiety," the DCI stated.
According to the Cyber Crimes act, anyone who is found guilty of the offences outlined by the law can be punished with a fine of up to Sh5 million, 10 years in jail or both.
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So far, the government has confirmed 3 cases of the coronavirus infections in Kenya.