A Nairobi court has detained a Junior Secondary School (JSS) teacher until Friday when it will rule on whether to release him on bond following allegations of identity theft and personation.
Samwel Mogwasi Mainga appeared before Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Robinson Ondieki after police sought more time to complete investigations into the alleged offence.
JSS teacher accused of identity theft
Police Constable Peter Mwangi, attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters Operation Support Unit, asked the court to allow police to detain Mainga for seven days.
The officer said Mainga is being investigated for identity theft contrary to Section 29 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
According to the police, the Junior Secondary School teacher allegedly opened a Facebook account using the name of June Ruto, the daughter of President William Samoei Ruto.
Teacher arrested in Mombasa
Police arrested Mainga on April 9, 2025, in Mombasa County.
The court heard that he had travelled to the county while accompanying JSS pupils participating in a national sports competition.
The investigating officer asked for more time to retrieve documents relating to the alleged Facebook account and record statements from additional witnesses.
He also told the court that police wanted to ensure Mainga did not flee the court’s jurisdiction because his place of residence was allegedly unknown.
Defence opposes detention
Defence lawyer Danstan Omari opposed the application, arguing that police had failed to demonstrate compelling reasons to detain the teacher for seven days.
“Holding the suspect for seven days is unreasonable considering the reasons given by the investigating officer,” Omari submitted.
The lawyer told the court that Mainga is a Junior Secondary School teacher based in Nyamira County and that his place of residence is therefore known.
Police admit they have teacher’s phone
During cross-examination, the investigating officer confirmed that police had already seized Mainga’s phone and intended to conduct forensic analysis.
Omari questioned whether the suspect needed to remain in custody while the analysis was being conducted.
The officer admitted that Mainga’s presence was not necessary during the forensic examination.
The lawyer consequently asked the court to release the teacher on lenient bond terms so that he could return to Mombasa and continue assisting the pupils participating in the sports competition.
Court orders teacher’s detention
Despite the defence’s objections, Magistrate Ondieki directed that Mainga remain at Capitol Hill Police Station pending the ruling on his bond application.
