Amberay Sparks Fierce Online Debate After Supporting Cybercrime Amendment Bill

Kenyan socialite and influencer Amberay has ignited a national conversation after publicly endorsing the newly passed Cybercrime Amendment Bill, a controversial piece of legislation that has sharply divided opinion across social media.

In a viral Instagram post, Amberay declared her support for the law, writing:

“I support the passing of the Cybercrime Amendment Bill. Freedom of speech should never be an excuse for cruelty, defamation, or disrespect.”

Her remarks immediately set off a storm of reactions online, with supporters applauding her call for digital accountability while critics accused her of siding with a bill that could restrict free expression.

A Stand Against Online Cruelty

Amberay’s statement struck a deeply personal chord, given her own history of facing harsh online criticism and cyberbullying. She argued that the bill represents a necessary step toward protecting individuals from targeted digital abuse.

“People think that hiding behind a screen gives them the right to say anything, no matter how harmful. It’s time for accountability,” she added in a follow-up post.

The Cybercrime Amendment Bill introduces stricter penalties for offenses such as cyberbullying, identity theft, revenge porn, and the deliberate spread of false information. Its supporters say it modernizes Kenya’s legal tools to tackle the fast-evolving dangers of online behavior.

Celebrities Rally Behind the Bill

Several public figures have echoed Amberay’s position, arguing that unchecked online hate has inflicted lasting mental health damage on many individuals, especially women in the public eye.

They insist that the bill is not about silencing criticism but about setting boundaries between free speech and abuse.

Critics Fear a Gag on Free Speech

However, digital rights activists and journalists have voiced strong objections. They warn that some sections of the law are vaguely phrased, potentially opening the door to misuse by those in power.

Critics argue that the legislation could stifle legitimate criticism of public figures, institutions, or government policies under the guise of fighting “cybercrime.”

“Without clear safeguards, such laws risk turning into tools for censorship,” one activist noted.

A Nation Split

Amberay’s support has left Kenyans polarized — with one side hailing her courage to speak out for digital civility, and the other accusing her of backing legislative overreach.