Ruto Addresses Signing Cybercrimes Law on Day of Raila’s Passing

President William Ruto has strongly defended the recently signed Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, which he assented to on the same day former Prime Minister Raila Odinga passed away.

Speaking during the funeral of Weston Kerocho, the father of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, in Laikipia County, President Ruto dismissed claims that he signed the bill because of the former Prime Minister’s passing, clarifying that the bill had already completed all legislative stages.

“There are people trying to tarnish Kenya’s image by all means, saying things like, ‘Oh, the President signed the law.’ But this law already existed; the amendment process began in 2024, and Parliament made the amendment.

I signed it on Wednesday because that was my constitutional duty for the day: to assent to a bill that had already gone through all the required stages and been forwarded to me by the Speaker. Unfortunately, our elder (Raila) had already left us, but by then I was already in office,” Ruto explained.

Ruto Dismisses Claims of Signing Bill at the Time of Raila’s Death

President Ruto added that he has nothing to hide, stating that he was in office like any other Kenyan on that day and that he signed the law in the interest of protecting the nation.

“We want to protect this nation from situations that undermine the well-being of our young people, the well-being of the people of Kenya, the security of our country, and other issues that will help us move forward,” Ruto added.

Also Read: Why Kenya Needs Cybercrimes Law – Expert

The Head of State also urged those spreading misinformation to stop.

The President stressed that the amended law is necessary to protect vulnerable people, particularly the youth, from online vices such as cyberbullying and the consumption of pornography.

“Our children are being exposed to harmful online content. This law will help safeguard them and ensure responsible use of technology in our country,” he said.

Kenyans React to the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act

The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act has attracted widespread condemnation from Kenyans.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga criticized the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, calling its provisions a threat to free expression, media freedom, and the rights of Kenyans.

Also Read: Mutahi Kahiga Resigns, Apologises to Raila Family

Presidential hopeful, Reuben Kigame, alongside the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) have filed a petition at the High Court challenging the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024, signed into law on October 15, 2025, on constitutional grounds.

The petition alleges that the amended law infringes rights to privacy, freedom of expression, media freedom, and access to information, among others.

So far, the court has issued conservatory orders suspending the enforcement of key contested sections (Sections 27(1)(b), 27(1)(c), and 27(2)) pending the full hearing of the case.

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