LAIKIPIA, Kenya – President William Ruto has defended signing the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2024 into law on October 15 — the same day former Prime Minister Raila Odinga died — saying the move was routine and not politically motivated.
Speaking on Thursday during the burial of the father to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Ruto said the signing had been scheduled earlier as part of his official duties for the day.
“I woke up on Wednesday, and the signing was my work for the day — it is a constitutional mandate,” the President said. “The Bill had already passed all stages and had been brought to me by the Speaker. But by bad luck, we lost one of our leaders.”
Ruto dismissed suggestions that the timing was insensitive, saying he had already reported to his office to execute government business before attending another engagement in Ukambani.
“I was on duty just like any other citizen. There was nothing to hide — I was not doing anything at night,” he added.
The President said the new cybercrime law was necessary to protect Kenya from online abuse, digital fraud, and extremist propaganda, insisting the amendments were in the public interest.
“We are doing the right thing for Kenya. We want to protect our young people and the security of our country from situations that undermine our well-being,” he said.
Ruto urged critics to avoid politicising the matter and instead focus on the need to secure Kenya’s digital space.
“Kenya must stand up to those who are using the digital space to spread terrorism. And we must say the truth — there are people who want to destroy Kenya by all means,” he remarked.
The signing drew public criticism, with some opposition leaders and commentators describing it as ill-timed given Odinga’s death earlier the same day.
However, a number of MPs have defended the move, saying it was part of normal government procedure.
The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024 — which expands definitions of cyber harassment and online misconduct — is already facing legal hurdles.
The High Court has suspended sections of the law pending a constitutional petition filed by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and activist Reuben Kigame, who argue that some provisions threaten freedom of expression.
