President William Ruto maintained his stance that he was right to sign the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill 2024 along with the six other bills after being challenged by a court that had temporarily suspended the implementation of portions of the said law.
The president said the law is a protective measure against the new challenges resulting from the internet such as cyberbullying, radicalism, and terrorism.
The President said during the funeral of the late Weston Kirocho Kanja, the father of the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, in Thome, Laikipia County, that the legislation seeks to protect children from being exposed to harmful content through the internet, for example, pornography, and also to stop the spread of extremist ideologies which eventually led to the Shakahola massacre.
The Head of State added that he did not hesitate to give the green light to the bills despite being informed of the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in order to show how important it was to have the laws in place as soon as possible to deal with new threats in the digital world.
He made the point a day after the High Court had temporarily suspended the implementation of certain clauses of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act that the hearing of the petitions filed by Kenya Human Rights Commission, gospel artist Reuben Kigame, and the Law Society of Kenya who have challenged the constitutionality of the amendments will take place soon.
At the event, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah also expressed their disapproval of Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s comments following the death of Raila Odinga, describing them as divisive and lacking in responsibility.
The leaders emphasized the need for tolerance in politics and political unity. They urged the people of Kenya to continue respecting each other’s opinions and keep the peace during this time of national mourning.