Nairobi, May 9 -- The Interior ministry has opened investigations into the leadership of 19 counties over harassment and use of violence against bloggers and political opponents in an attempt to silence them.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said a special unit has been set up at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to deal with the rising cases.

The development comes hot on the heels of the mysterious death of a 32-year-old blogger, Duke Nyabaro, in Kisii County last month.

Nyabaro used to comment on political issues, especially those affecting Bonchari Constituency in the county.

Appearing before the Senate yesterday, Prof Kindiki acknowledged that there are people who may want to use security officials to try ...