President William Ruto has defended his recent signing into law of the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2024, emphasising that the law has been in existence since 2018 and that the new amendments are aimed at safeguarding Kenyans from cyberbullying and other criminal activities committed online.
Speaking on Thursday at Thome village in Laikipia County during the burial of Mzee Weston Kirocho Kanja, the father of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, the President dismissed claims that the timing of the signing was deliberate.
Ruto explained that the coincidence of his signing of the cybercrimes bill and seven other bills last Wednesday, the same day former Prime Minister Raila Odinga passed away, was purely incidental.
“That was my work for that day, and it is a constitutional requirement. The bill had already passed all the necessary stages of debate, and the Speaker of the National Assembly brought it to me for assent. Unfortunately, at around the same time, we lost our former Prime Minister. Actually, I was about to attend another function in Ukambani when I received the sad news,” Ruto said.
The Head of State added that the signing was part of his official duties and had no hidden motive, reiterating that the law aims to protect Kenyans from online harm.
Ruto said the new law seeks to address emerging cyber threats such as radicalisation, cyberbullying, and religious extremism, noting that such measures are vital in preventing tragedies like the Shakahola massacre, which was driven by religious manipulation.
“Our young people are being terrorised, bullied, and exposed to pornography on social media. As a government, we must prevent this. Cyberbullying has led to depression and even suicide among our youth, and we cannot sit back and watch,” he stated.
He urged Kenyans to stop spreading misinformation and disinformation about the new law, saying his administration was acting in the best interest of the nation.
“The government is doing what is right for this country. We are determined to protect our young people and ensure that national security and social wellbeing are not undermined by online criminal activity,” the President added.
At the same time, Ruto took the opportunity to warn politicians against promoting divisive politics, urging them instead to focus on presenting their development agendas to Kenyans.
“If you feel you can do better than what the current government is doing, sell your agenda to the people without polarising them along ethnic or hate lines,” he said.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah echoed the President’s remarks, saying the law was necessary to protect young people from the psychological and emotional harm caused by online harassment.
“Our youth are suffering from depression due to cyberbullying. This law is meant to protect them from such harmful behaviour that has sadly led some to take their own lives,” Ichung’wah said.
He further urged Kenyans to embrace unity and cautioned against tribal rhetoric. Ichung’wah also condemned recent remarks attributed to Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, which appeared to celebrate the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
“What the governor of Nyeri said recently was in bad taste. I pray that God forgives him and those who mocked our nationalist and Pan-Africanist Raila Odinga when he was unwell. They should remember that they too are mortal,” Ichung’wah said.
Inspector General Douglas Kanja, while eulogising his late father, described him as a strict disciplinarian and a source of encouragement who instilled hard work and resilience in his children and those around him.
The funeral ceremony drew a large attendance, including Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu, Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior) and Rebecca Miano (Tourism), as well as several legislators led by area MP Mwangi Kiunjuri.
Also in attendance were senior officers from the National Police Service and other dignitaries who joined the Kanja family in mourning their patriarch.
By Martin Munyi
