A Nyeri blogger arrested for allegedly insulting the Nyeri Governor’s brother via Facebook has been released unconditionally from police custody.

Prosecutor Rebecca Mayeku had sought orders for Martha Wanjiru to be detained for seven days to allow police to finish a probe.

Resident magistrate John Aringo said detaining Wanjiru further would amount to violating the constitution and added that a police affidavit on the matter was wrongly drafted.

Aringo said the case has been terminated but that the prosecution can prefer charges against the suspect if police launch a fresh probe.

The 23-year-old had not taken plea when her release was granted. Mathira MP Peter Weru joined residents at the court in celebrating the ruling.

Wanjiru was arrested in Karatina town on Monday after Governor Nderitu Gachagua’s brother, Rigathi Gachagua, filed a complaint against her.

She was taken to court that day over her claims in the social media post that Rigathi was misusing county government resources.

Wanjiru was charged with misuse of a telecommunication gadget and held at Nyeri Central police station.

-the-star.co.ke