President William Ruto has defended the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, saying that the amendment process began in 2024 and was duly approved by Parliament.
According to the President, his intentions regarding the bill are “pure” and aimed at protecting Kenyans. He called on individuals spreading false information about the law to stop misleading the public.
“The amendment started in 2024 and it was done by Parliament. We want to protect this nation from situations that undermine the wellbeing of our young people and the people of Kenya. Those who are speaking should tell the truth,” said Ruto.
Ruto also dismissed claims that he hurriedly assented to eight bills on the same day former Prime Minister Raila Odinga passed away.
“I woke up on Wednesday and was handed the bills to sign by the Speaker. That was my work for the day, and it is constitutional for me to assent to bills once they have passed all stages. Unfortunately, on that same day, we lost our former Prime Minister. I was already in office doing my work. I have nothing to hide, and there is nothing being done in the dark,” he said.
The President made these remarks in Laikipia County on Thursday during the burial of Weston Kirocho, father of Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja.
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His comments came a day after High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi suspended parts of the amended cybercrime law following a petition filed by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and activist Reuben Kigame. The petitioners argue that the law violates constitutional freedoms by seeking to regulate how Kenyans use social media platforms.
“A conservatory order is hereby issued suspending the enforcement, implementation, and operation of sections 27(1)(b), (c), and (2) of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2025,” ruled Justice Mugambi.
Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie has also defended the law, claiming that misinformation and disinformation about its content are being spread online.
“There should be no confusion that section 46(a) will turn out to be extrajudicial. The law is clear, and the rumours being spread to citizens who probably haven’t read the Act should stop,” said Kiarie.
He added that the legislation seeks to protect children from online exploitation, including child pornography, trafficking, and terrorism.
– Timon Otieno
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