The High Court has ordered the release of Halima Ngache, "Princess Halima," arrested over an X account accused of tracking President Ruto's flight movements.
The High Court has ordered the release of Halima Ngache, popularly known online as "Princess Halima," days after she was detained over allegations that she operated an X account accused of publishing President William Ruto's flight movements.
Justice Alexander Muteti, presiding over the case, overturned an earlier magistrate's order that had allowed detectives to hold Ngache for three days, directing that she be freed from custody by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 3, even as investigations into the matter continue.
How the Case Began
Ngache was arrested on June 30 in Bamburi, Mombasa County, by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations' (DCI) Serious Crimes Unit, in what the agency described as an intelligence-led operation. She was later transferred to Nairobi and booked at Muthaiga Police Station.
Investigators linked her to a verified X account, @sholard_mancity, which they allege published details of the President's travel itinerary, including flight routes and aircraft registration information. According to an affidavit filed by Corporal Edwin Metto of the DCI's Serious Crimes Unit, the account had claimed the President travelled from Belgium to Norway by chartered private jet on June 8, from Norway to Finland on June 10, and later suggested he had left Kenya on June 25 en route to boarding another jet in Madagascar.
DCI Director Amin Mohamed said Ngache was under investigation for alleged cyber harassment under Section 27(1) of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, with investigators arguing that the posts raised concerns over the President's safety and had caused public apprehension.
A Senior Principal Magistrate had initially granted detectives a three-day detention order to allow forensic examination of electronic devices recovered during the arrest, including phones, a tablet, a laptop and flash drives.
Ngache's Defence: "The Account Is Still Tweeting"
In court, Ngache denied operating the account, arguing that despite her devices being confiscated, the X account remained active — suggesting someone else could be managing it. She also told the High Court that she had not been informed of the reasons for her arrest and that police did not have a warrant when they took her into custody.
Her argument found some support in what happened next: the account reportedly continued publishing posts even while she was being transported from Mombasa to Nairobi in police custody, prompting some observers to question whether more than one person had access to the handle.
The High Court's Ruling
Justice Muteti's ruling directed that Ngache be released unconditionally, even as the underlying investigation into the alleged cybercrime offences remains active. The court did not dismiss the case outright — DCI investigations, including forensic analysis of the seized devices, are set to continue as detectives work to establish who else may have had access to the account.
Ngache is expected to appear before the High Court again on Monday, July 6, for further directions, by which point the case may proceed to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for a decision on whether formal charges will be filed.
A Case Testing Digital Rights in Kenya
The arrest and subsequent release have sparked debate over the balance between protecting the security of state officials and safeguarding constitutional rights to liberty, privacy and freedom of expression online. Digital rights advocates have pointed to the ruling as a reminder that detention procedures — including proper notification of charges and adherence to warrant requirements — must be followed even in cases touching on national security concerns.
At the same time, the DCI has maintained that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, that right must be exercised within the limits of the law, particularly where it touches on information that could compromise the safety of protected persons.
What's Next
With forensic analysis of Ngache's devices ongoing and the account's true administrator still unconfirmed, Monday's court mention is expected to shed more light on the direction the case will take — including whether other individuals could be implicated.
Don Sami Live will follow this story as it develops.