NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto and his administration are increasingly concerned about the digital activities of Kenya’s youth, particularly the “woke generation” calling for revolution in governance and greater accountability.
This concern comes amid the ongoing tension over the state’s approach to online expression, with the government increasingly monitoring social media activity and clamping down on what it considers to be “misuse” of digital platforms.
One recent case that has raised alarms was the arrest of Titus Wekesa, a 22-year-old who was detained in Bungoma County for allegedly impersonating President Ruto on X as part of his “I Must Go” campaign.
Wekesa was accused of spreading false information, creating the impression that the President would step down from office.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) sought an additional five-day detention for Wekesa to continue investigations under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2018.
This arrest has sparked broader fears that the government might increasingly use legal tools to suppress freedom of expression, especially ahead of the 2027 elections.
Human rights organizations are expressing growing concerns about the shrinking civic space in Kenya, particularly online.
The rise of surveillance, arbitrary arrests, and the misuse of laws to target bloggers, journalists, and ordinary citizens has put digital engagement under scrutiny.
James Wamathai, Partnerships and Advocacy Manager at the Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE), highlighted that the protection of human rights online should be just as robust as offline protections.
“The safety of bloggers is directly tied to the safety of journalists and the general public. If one group is not safe, no one is,” he stated.
The growing intolerance of criticism is not only a concern for activists but also for ordinary citizens using social media platforms to express dissent.
Angela Minayo, Programs Officer for Eastern Africa at ARTICLE 19, condemned the use of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act to silence dissent, particularly during times of political unrest, such as the Gen Z movement.
“We’re seeing ordinary citizens, who merely post on Facebook or X, being abducted, arrested, or slapped with trumped-up charges,” Minayo remarked.
The government’s increasing use of surveillance and the legal threat posed by the Computer Misuse Act are part of a larger, continental trend where African governments are investing in surveillance infrastructure under the guise of cybercrime prevention.
Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, warned that this “normalisation of spying on citizens” threatens democracy and civil liberties.
Demas Kiprono, Deputy Director at the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Kenya Chapter, urged for the protection of digital engagement spaces, which have become essential for citizens to hold the government accountable.
“Digital platforms have become Kenya’s new public squares,” Kiprono said. “But we’re seeing a disturbing trend of arrests, disappearances, and legal harassment. It’s time to review these laws and empower citizens to understand and defend their inherent rights.”
Amid this growing crackdown, some public figures, including COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, have called for the regulation of social media in Kenya, particularly regarding the content young people are exposed to.
Atwoli emphasized the need for religious leaders to weigh in on the content circulating on platforms like TikTok, criticizing the societal impact of unrestricted online discourse.
However, ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo denied any plans to shut down social media, assuring the public that discussions about banning or restricting online platforms are not on the government’s agenda.
The National Intelligence Service (NIS), led by Director-General Noordin Haji, has also warned about the misuse of social media, particularly the spread of false information and hate speech, which he believes could destabilize the nation.
“The misuse of social media platforms has become a serious concern for national security,” Haji stated.
