A 24-year old University Student, Nancy Mbindalah was in January this year arrested by Police in Embu County and held for allegedly abusing, spreading hate and inciting statements against the Embu Governor Martin Wambora on social media.
Ms Nancy Mbindalah, an intern with the department of Finance at the County Government is said to have made numerous postings on Facebook some dating as far as 2013.
Nancy Mbindalah arrested over a 2013 http://t.co/rd3TQQN3X8 post. Time Nyaga reigned unquestionably is long gone. Free her unconditionally.
— Ngarawa Gichumbi Sam (@GichumbiSam) January 10, 2015
@bettywaitherero Defamation or what is it is Nancy Mbindalah accused of? Cz if we cannot constructively criticise, as Kenyans we are doomed. — Morrison Kimkun (@Advizam) January 16, 2015
Embu acting County Secretary Raymond Kinyua said he received a complaint from Mr Wambora and forwarded the information to the police who arrested the former Mt Kenya University student.
They should Free Nancy Mbindalah.She was just highlighting some vices… She did not insult anyone. My two cents
— Kym (@Mckym) January 15, 2015
nancy mbindalah simply asked about corruption and now she is in jail.wambora ordered police not to give her bail #freenancymbindalah — nicholas kariuki (@muthaara) January 11, 2015
On Saturday, Mr Kinyua said he and Finance Chief Officer Damiano Muthee had recorded statements on the same.
He however didn’t elaborate on the actual wording of the posting only saying they were “insulting”.
“What was put on the OB is that there is somebody who is using insulting language and peddling some statements which are misleading and inciting. The complaint came from the office of the governor and is now in the hands of the investigators. I did it in my capacity as the acting County Secretary. The lady has been on internship at the cash office and was in office as late as Friday,” said Mr Kinyua on phone.
The arrest attracted criticism from a section of Embu residents with some calling on Mr Wambora to pardon Ms Mbindalah.
@gathara#Darkdays These are serious steps back and Yes Nancy Mbindalah is a good example! No Way No Space! WE have to hold them accountable!
— Philo Ikonya (@PhiloWriting) January 18, 2015
“The Investigating Officer confirmed that Nancy Mbindalah was locked up for demeaning and being insulting to the County Governor through numerous Facebook posts. The police were hesitant to grant a police bond
The prosecution said Mbindala committed the offence on February 14 last year. In the second count, she was charged that on February 7, she said one cannot get a tender or a job in Embu county without compromising Wambora. The prosecution said Mbindala alleged the governor deals with youth, whom he treats like wives.
In the fourth count she was accused that on March 11 asked why a certain tender was not advertised and instead it was single sourced. She further wondered why Wambora was giving all county tenders to one woman.The fifth charge states she wrote on December 22 that Ishiara Level Four Hospital had been closed due to lack of water. She said the hospital’s water supply was disconnected due to unpaid bills and questioned what the county government was doing over the issue. She asked whether the government was signing and sealing death certificates for Ishiara patients adding that the Kiritiri health centre would also be closed.The accused who was released on Sh30,000 cash bail on January 12th appeared before the magistrate on Tuesday to demand the release of her documents and cell phones.
#FreeNancyMbindalah Succeeds . I have confirmed that Nancy Mbindalah has been released. Thanks to all who helped condemn this on Twitter
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) January 11, 2015
The Governor announced that he had forgiven Mbindilah after her mum allegedly pleaded with him.
“In view of the above apology from Nancy’s mum, Jane Kiringa and herself, I forgive her for incitement and insults,” wrote the governor.
(Additional Source The Star)
