Young people have been urged to be cautious in terms of the content they post on online digital spaces.
Nyeri County police Commander David Too says a section of online social media users have turned such platforms into avenues of spreading propaganda and inflammatory statements that border on hate speech.
Consequently, social media platforms are slowly turning into tools of perpetuating criminal activities like cyber bullying, which is punishable by law.
Too therefore emphasized the need for self-restraint among the youth, especially during the current digital age when technology has become part of everyday life.
“We must be careful about the information we post and share on social media platforms. The law is clear on cybercrime and those found guilty will face penalties,” he told the public at Muthuaini, Tetu sub county.
“What we share with the public may either be a bane or a boon to us. And therefore anyone who misuses the social media platform risks prosecution under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act,” he said.
In particular the police boss urged students and other internet users to understand the legal implications of their actions before sharing any information online.
The county security chief also warned university and college students against using social media platforms irresponsibly.
He mentioned institutions such as Nyeri National Polytechnic and other learning institutions, where students heavily rely on digital communication, but was quick to state that learners can also turn such privileges into avenues for creating societal disorder.
“We understand that Universities and Colleges are among some of our institutions that depend heavily on the digital space on a day to day basis both for academic purposes and also for social interactions. Be as it may, learners should always avoid posting content that can incite others into violence, spread hatred, or end up misleading the public. While freedom of expression is a right anchored in our constitution, it should be enjoyed within the confines of the same law,” he advised.
Too also put notice anyone involved in cybercrime activities by stating that security apparatus will never hesitate to take legal action against them in accordance with applicable laws.
The police commander also expressed concern over the growing number of suicide cases being reported in the county a trend he termed as alarming.
He pointed out that men are disproportionately affected by suicide, noting that statistics indicate more men than women are taking their own lives.
The trend, he said, is worrying and called for urgent intervention from families, communities, religious organizations, and government agencies.
He attributed some of the cases to mental health challenges, family disputes, financial difficulties, and social pressures synonymous with modern society.
Too encouraged anyone going through emotional or psychological distress to seek professional help instead of suffering in silence.
“Tough times should not drive anyone to take his or her own life. There are people and institutions ready to provide support. We have noted that more men than women are struggling with societal expectations that discourage them from expressing emotions or seeking help, making them vulnerable to depression and suicidal thoughts,” pointed out Too.
“We call upon community leaders, religious institutions, and healthcare providers to strengthen awareness campaigns on mental health and encourage people to seek counseling whenever necessary. In this way we shall help one another to slay this dragon of people taking their lives.”
A report by the Centre for Rights, Education and Awareness (CREAW) released last month revealed people as young as 11years are falling victims to suicide in Nyeri.
The NGO which is undertaking an empowerment program for GBV survivors in 16 counties said this challenge should be taken as a matter of urgency to avoid losing more young people to premature deaths.
“The cases we are having for Gender Based Violence and suicide are really affecting our youth aged between 18 and 35years.Under the Jasiri program we are trying to tackle of matters of economic empowerment. The program is targeting young people between 18 to 35 and adolescent girls aged 16 and 18 years who dropped out of school,” said Jamila Mohammed, CREAW programs officer.
Nyeri has in the recent past seen a rise in both suicide and GBV cases with the former bearing sway among men.
Government statistics show a total of 107 have reportedly committed suicide since June 2025 with the youngest aged 11 years, while the oldest was 87 years.
On average, eight to ten people are reportedly taking their lives on a monthly basis in Nyeri county.
by Samuel Maina and Thomas Mondiri
