The online campaign, using the hashtag #DropDavidMokayaCharges, has gained momentum, with many arguing that Mokaya is not a criminal but a citizen demanding accountability from the government.
David Mokaya, a fourth-year student, is accused of posting misleading images of President Ruto’s supposed funeral procession on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
The controversial images showed a casket draped in Kenya’s national flag, accompanied by military officers in ceremonial uniforms.
Despite his legal team’s efforts to have the charges reviewed, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has not withdrawn the case.
One of Mokaya’s lawyers, Danstan Omari, has criticized the government's actions, arguing that they are meant to silence critics of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“Mokaya is not a terrorist or a thief. He is simply a young Kenyan expressing his views.
If posting a picture is a crime, then where is freedom of speech?” Omari stated during court proceedings.
Many Kenyans believe the charges against Mokaya are excessive.
Social media users have expressed their anger, demanding his immediate release.
"He is just a young man demanding accountability. Why punish him for exercising his freedom of speech?" one user posted.
Another added, “A picture does not reflect reality. It is content, not a crime. Let him go.”
Others have urged netizens to keep pushing for Mokaya’s freedom.
“Reply to every post with #DropDavidMokayaCharges until justice is served,” a Twitter user wrote.
President Ruto has addressed the increasing use of AI to create political images, urging young Kenyans to use their skills for constructive purposes.
"Critics of my government are hiring people to create negative AI images.
Instead of focusing on propaganda, young people should use their talents to make money," Ruto said.
However, his statement has not stopped the online protest. Kenyans continue to argue that digital expression should not be criminalized.
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