“I Am Menelik, Son of Solomon”: The Delusions and Dangers of the Gatundu TikToker Facing 10 Years in Jail
The man at the center of the viral storm in Gatundu South finally has a name: Peter Maingi Kimani, better known to his TikTok followers as Menelik Kimani.
On Thursday, February 26, 2026, his digital bravado met the cold reality of a DCI handcuffs. Traced to a hideout in the Gachage area of Kiganjo, Kimani’s arrest marks the end of a week-long manhunt sparked by a video that was as bizarre as it was inflammatory.
The “King Solomon” Claims
In the video that triggered his downfall, Kimani didn’t just criticize the government—he claimed a divine right to power. Addressing President William Ruto directly, he rejected the democratic process entirely.
“A real king doesn’t come through the ballot box; a real king comes from the battlefield,” Kimani declared. “Democracy has raised weak kings who come into power through lies.”
Kimani went on to claim he was “Menelik, son of King Solomon, son of King David,” and described himself as royal blood chosen by the creator. The clip ended with a chilling seven-day ultimatum for the President to “prepare his army” for a confrontation.
The DCI’s “Smoke Out” Operation
While Kimani was busy recording biblical ultimatums, elite detectives from the DCI headquarters were busy tracking his digital footprint. Realizing the video was gaining massive traction, Kimani reportedly fled his usual residence, seeking refuge in the more remote Gachage area.
Detectives utilized forensic trails to pin his location, “smoking him out” in a late-afternoon raid. He is currently being processed at the DCI headquarters in Nairobi.
The Legal Reality: 10 Years or Ksh 20 Million?
Despite the “spiritual” nature of his claims, the law will treat Kimani’s actions through the lens of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act. Legal experts suggest he could face several charges:
Cyber Harassment: Under Section 27, for content deemed a threat to public order.
Incitement to Violence: For his call to a “battlefield” confrontation and his “army” ultimatum.
Subversive Activities: A charge often used when the presidency is directly challenged with threats of force.
Under the 2025 legal amendments, Kimani faces up to 10 years in prison or a fine of Ksh 20 million if convicted.
A Pattern of “Digital Defiance”
Kimani’s arrest follows a similar case in August 2025, where a Mombasa TikToker known as “Hon Mosquito” was arrested for giving the President a “24-hour ultimatum.” The 2026 trend shows that while the platforms are new, the State’s response to perceived threats against the Presidency remains swift and uncompromising.
