President Ruto Defends Cybercrime Act Amendments As A Benefit for All Kenyans

President William Ruto has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Amendment) Act 2024, insisting the legislation was amended for the benefit of all Kenyans.

Speaking on Thursday, October 23, at the burial of Inspector General Douglas Kanja’s father, the Head of State accused a section of political leaders of trying to fuel political tensions by deliberately spreading false information about the Act.

Clarifying the Law’s Origin and Purpose

President Ruto clarified that the core Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act has been in existence since 2018 and only underwent “slight readjustments” in 2024. He noted that the Act is crucial for tackling several online challenges negatively affecting Kenyan youth, specifically:

• Cyberbullying
• Hate speech
• Access to explicit content

“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 the online platforms,” Ruto stated, emphasizing the urgency of regulating digital spaces.

He pushed back against critics, saying, “There are people who are out to cause tension by all means. This law has been in existence since 2018, and the amendments began in 2024 and it was done by the Members of the National Assembly.

Dismissing Allegations of Exploiting Raila’s Death

Addressing leaders and residents in Laikipia, the President also dismissed allegations that he took advantage of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death to swiftly sign the crucial bill into law.

“It is my constitutional duty to sign bills into law, and that day, I had already prepared to sign the bill when I received news about the passing of the former Prime Minister. It was impossible to stop the process,” the President reiterated, clarifying the timing of the assent.

The President’s comments come hours after the High Court temporarily suspended the Act, stopping its enforcement and operation pending the full hearing and determination of the matter.