President William Ruto has explained his decision to sign the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2024 into law on October 15, 2025, the same day former Prime Minister Raila Odinga passed away.
The Head of State has defended the move saying it was part of his normal duties and not politically motivated.
Speaking during the burial of the father to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Ruto dismissed suggestions that the timing of the signing was insensitive or deliberate, insisting that the process had been scheduled in advance.
“I was on duty just like any other citizen. There was nothing to hide. I was not doing anything at night,” Ruto said.
“I was to sign because the Bill had passed all stages and had been brought to me by the Speaker. But by bad luck, we lost one of our leaders.”
The President clarified that he had already been at his office performing official duties emphasizing that the signing of the Bill was a procedural act that had to be completed once it reached his desk.
Ruto Defends the Cybercrime Law
President Ruto maintained that the new law is critical to Kenya’s digital security, describing it as a tool to combat online harassment, cyber fraud, and extremist propaganda.
“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 stated.
He urged critics to avoid politicizing the event and to focus instead on the substance of the law, arguing that the amendments had been under discussion since 2024.
“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 added.
Controversy and Legal Challenge
The signing sparked public debate, with some opposition leaders and human rights groups accusing the government of poor timing and rushing through laws that could suppress free speech.
The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024 broadens the scope of cyber harassment, misinformation, and online misconduct, changes that civil society groups say could be used to target dissent.
Following its enactment, the High Court issued conservatory orders suspending several sections of the law pending a constitutional petition filed by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and activist Reuben Kigame.
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