Ruto Defends New Cybercrime Laws, Says Amendments Protect Kenyans
President William Ruto has defended the signing of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024, saying the updated law is meant to safeguard Kenyans from online abuse and misinformation.
Ruto Says Amendments Are for Public Good
Speaking on Thursday, October 23, during the burial of Inspector General Douglas Kanja’s father in Laikipia, President Ruto accused some political leaders of spreading falsehoods to create tension over the new cybercrime laws.
He clarified that the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act began in 2018. The National Assembly approved the minor readjustments in 2024.“This law has been in existence since 2018, and the amendments began in 2024. It was done by Members of the National Assembly,” Ruto explained.
President Cites Online Dangers Among Youth
The Head of State said the law addresses rising cyberbullying, hate speech, and explicit online content harming young people.
“Those who run such businesses of bullying other Kenyans, you now find that a lot of youths are committing suicide because of terrorism that is on online platforms,” he stated.
He emphasized that the government had a responsibility to protect citizens, especially young internet users, from harmful digital practices.
Ruto Dismisses Claims of Political Motives
In Laikipia, Ruto rejected claims he used former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s passing to sign the bill.
“It is my constitutional duty to sign bills into law. That day, I had already prepared to sign the bill when I received the news about the death of the former Prime Minister. It was impossible to stop the process,” he said.
The President added that the law’s timing was purely coincidental and completely not politically motivated. He was stressing that the law’s main purpose was to ensure more responsible digital behaviour by all citizens.
High Court Suspends Enforcement of Cybercrime Law
Ruto’s remarks came just hours after the High Court temporarily suspended the implementation of the new cybercrime law. Justice Lawrence Mugambi halted the Act’s enforcement pending the hearing of a petition filed by Ruben Kigame and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
The judge directed the petitioner to serve the petition and accompanying documents. They must serve these within three days. The petitioner must file proof of service in court. The court expects to hear the case in the coming weeks.
