Coast

Shimo La Tewa prison staff banned from posting "wrong" messages on social media

A view of the entrance to Shimo la Tewa Maximum Security Prison in Mombasa County. (Photo: Simon MAINA/AFP)

By Eastleigh Voice Reporter | Wednesday, March 27, 2024

It warns the staff to be cautious not to send the "wrong" message to anyone, for in so doing one may get arrested without a warrant.

Shimo La Tewa Maximum Security Prison has tightened staff communication rules on their social media, warning staff to be cautious about what they share via the platforms.

The platforms include; WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram and all social media which according to an internal notice stamped by the officer in charge on February 28, says the platforms will be monitored.

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It warns the staff to be cautious not to send the "wrong" message to anyone, for in so doing one may get arrested without a warrant.

"The police will issue a notification, then be prosecuted for cybercrime, which is very serious. All group members, and moderators please consider this issue," the notice adds.

According to the notice, the facility began implementing the new rules on February 29.

Though the motive of the rules appears to be the prevention of information leakage, a rule that asks staff not to write or send a "bad" message on any political party or religion raises questions on freedom of expression.

Shimo la Tewa in Mombasa County, is one of the prisons with the largest population of hardcore criminals undergoing rehabilitation including convicts of piracy and terror offences.

Hundreds of them have been convicted of engaging in various terrorist activities, promoting radicalisation and violent take-overs of mosques, especially in the Coast region.