A Kenyan man has been arrested after videos showing him tearing Kenyan currency notes during a TikTok live session circulated widely online.
Maximilian Motara was arrested on Tuesday morning by detectives from the Banking Fraud Investigations Unit after clips emerged showing him ripping several KSh100 notes while recording himself for social media.
Authorities said the arrest followed public outrage after the videos went viral online, drawing attention to the destruction of Kenyan legal tender.
Each of the notes torn in the video is worth about KSh100, but investigators say the monetary value of the notes is not the main issue. Instead, the act of deliberately destroying currency is considered a criminal offence under Kenyan law.
Under Section 367A of the Penal Code, mutilating or defacing Kenyan currency is illegal and punishable by up to three months in prison, a fine of KSh2,000, or both.
The law is meant to protect the integrity of the country’s legal tender and prevent the unnecessary cost of replacing damaged notes.
The Central Bank of Kenya has previously warned against the misuse of currency, noting an increasing trend where banknotes are used as props during social media content, weddings and decorative displays.
In many cases, notes are folded, stapled, glued or torn, actions that significantly reduce their lifespan in circulation.
Financial experts note that once currency is issued and enters circulation, it is considered public property. This means individuals do not have the legal right to deliberately damage or destroy banknotes even if the money is in their possession.
Motara’s arrest has sparked a broader debate about the influence of social media and the extreme measures some users take in pursuit of viral fame.
Observers say the incident highlights the risks of chasing online attention without considering legal consequences.
Authorities are expected to take the suspect through the legal process as investigations continue.
