Ruto defends cybercrimes law, denies it was signed in secret

President William Ruto during the funeral service for Weston Kirocho Kanja, father of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja in Thome, Laikipia County, on October 23, 2025. [PCS]

President William Ruto has defended his decision to sign into law eight Bills, among them the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, on the day former Prime Minister Raila Odinga died.

The President said the law is meant to shield Kenyans - especially children, teenagers, and youth - from the growing dangers of internet-related crimes.

Ruto dismissed criticism that he hurriedly or secretly assented to the Bill, insisting the process was transparent and constitutionally guided.

He said the amendments were long overdue and aimed at modernising Kenya's cyber laws to match global standards as digital crime grows more sophisticated.

"We want to protect Kenyans. As the government, we must put to book those involved in cybercrimes. We must stop terrorism, online fraud, and the misuse of digital platforms that target innocent people, particularly the youth," he said.

Speaking during the funeral service for Weston Kirocho Kanja, father of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja in Thome, Laikipia County, the President said the new law was necessary to safeguard national security and restore order in the digital space.

"These laws have been there; they only went through amendments starting in 2024. They were brought to me for signing, but unfortunately, the Prime Minister had passed on. I did not do the signing in private - people should stop misleading Kenyans," he said.

The High Court has temporarily suspended the implementation of certain provisions of the Act, citing concerns over possible violations of privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information.

Petitioners have file two cases, arguing that some sections are vague and could be abused to stifle dissent or legitimate online activities.

Ruto also called on political leaders to exercise restraint in their public utterances, warning that reckless talk risks dividing the nation and undermining progress.

He said national unity and peace should be the foundation of leadership, not incitement or insults aimed at gaining political mileage.

The President urged leaders to focus on delivering development to the people instead of engaging in inflammatory politics that could polarize communities.

"We cannot build a nation that way. There is no need to incite Kenyans or sow discord among our people. Let us, as leaders, compete on developing Kenya, not on something that will bring hatred," he said.

He urged politicians to use their platforms to inspire hope and development-oriented competition.