TikTok User Arrested for Tearing Kenyan 100-Shilling Notes

Detectives from the Banking Fraud Investigations Unit (BFIU) arrested TikTok user Maximilian Motara early Tuesday, March 10, 2026, for tearing stacks of Kenyan 100-shilling notes, Kenya’s smallest currency, worth about 77 U.S. cents each.

The arrest follows growing concerns from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) about the misuse of currency in viral online trends, including wedding money bouquets, which increase printing costs amid economic pressures.

Mutilating money is a serious offense under Section 367A of Kenya’s Penal Code, which carries penalties of up to three months in prison or a 2,000-shilling fine.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI Kenya) confirmed the arrest in a tweet:

“Detectives from the Banking Fraud Investigations Unit (BFIU) have arrested TikTok user Maximilian Motara for allegedly mutilating Kenyan currency notes and flaunting the acts on TikTok. He is currently in custody and is being processed for arraignment in court.” -DCI Kenya

Public Reactions Online

Online reactions to the arrest have been mixed. Some users supported the move, saying it sends a strong message against currency misuse.

Others questioned the police priorities, highlighting that the 100-shilling notes might be fake or that the arrest was unnecessary.

@Xtrapressure – Swali ni moja, what if the notes were fake? Unless you guys have verified the remains of the note

@Kore – Honestly, it’s easier to nab clout-chasers than risk upsetting the bosses upstairs.

@Dman – Let him rot in jail. People out here are desperate for views and fame.

@Jeph – It should serve as a lesson to those with similar content.

Also Read: CBK Warns Against Using Banknotes for Cash Flowers and Decorations

Central Bank Issues Warning

The Central Bank of Kenya has previously warned against trends like money bouquets, noting that mutilating notes increases reprinting costs and undermines currency circulation.

“We urge the public to handle currency responsibly. Mutilating notes not only violates the law but also imposes extra costs on the economy,” a CBK spokesperson said in a statement.

Also Read: Deleted ‘Kwaheri Kenya’ Tweet by KRA Sparks Online Speculation

The case of Maximilian Motara highlights how social media trends can have real-world legal consequences, especially when they involve national currency.

His arraignment in court is pending, and the authorities have maintained that any form of currency mutilation will be prosecuted.

Kenya police vehicle PHOTO/File