Pressure is building on President William Ruto to withdraw the controversial Cyber Crime Law he signed on the same day former Prime Minister Raila Odinga died. The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024 has triggered outrage, with critics warning it could silence dissent and threaten digital freedoms.
Lawyer Miguna Miguna has openly challenged Ruto to repeal the law, accusing him of exploiting a moment of national mourning to push through restrictive legislation. The debate has since intensified, reviving calls for mass anti-government demonstrations.
Debate Over Cyber Crime Law Deepens in Kenya
Lawyer Miguna Miguna reignited public outrage on Monday, October 20, when he questioned whether President Ruto would recall the Cyber Crime Law that many Kenyans view as repressive.
Miguna accused the government of exploiting the country’s grief over Raila Odinga’s death to pass laws that undermine democracy and online freedom.
“Will William Ruto recall the Cyber Crime Act and other offensive legislation he hurriedly signed before announcing Raila Odinga’s death, or does he want to force Kenyans back to the streets?” Miguna posted on X.
His remarks reflected the growing anger among Kenyans, civil rights activists, and opposition figures who say the new law’s timing and content suggest an attempt to stifle dissent.
Observers were quick to point out that Ruto signed eight Bills that day, including the Privatisation Bill (2025) and the National Police Service Commission (Amendment) Bill (2024)—both of which also raised public concern over government overreach and transparency.
Provisions Raising Alarm Over Freedom of Expression
Critics say the Cyber Crime Law goes beyond addressing digital crime and instead grants the government sweeping powers to monitor, censor, or shut down online activity.
Sections of the law allow authorities to block websites, remove online content, or suspend apps deemed to “promote illegal activities” or cause “fear or violence.” These vague definitions, opponents argue, leave too much room for abuse and interpretation.
Activists claim such wording could criminalize investigative journalism, whistleblowing, or even satire targeting government officials.
“Words like ‘grossly offensive’ or ‘extremist practices’ are too broad,” said one Nairobi-based digital rights expert. “They can be used against bloggers, journalists, or anyone criticizing those in power.”
The penalties also alarmed the public. Cyber harassment—defined as communication likely to cause emotional or reputational harm—now carries a fine of up to Ksh20 million or a 10-year prison sentence, or both.
Analysts warn these punishments are excessive and could be weaponized to suppress criticism, making Kenya’s online environment one of fear and restraint.
Law Signed Amid National Grief
The timing of the Cyber Crime Law’s signing drew sharp criticism. Ruto’s announcement came just hours before he confirmed Raila Odinga’s death, a moment that captured national grief and diverted public attention from legislative affairs.
Many viewed the move as an attempt to bury controversial decisions beneath the emotional weight of Odinga’s passing.
Raila, 80, had been in India seeking treatment before succumbing to a cardiac arrest. His death triggered seven days of national mourning and a state funeral that brought Kenya to a standstill.
However, the public viewing of Raila’s body at Kasarani Stadium turned chaotic. Police fired tear gas and live rounds as massive crowds struggled to access the venue. Several people were reported injured, while Miguna later questioned how many Kenyans died during the stampede.
“Who will be held accountable for those deaths?” Miguna asked online, linking the tragedy to what he described as “the government’s failure to plan even in mourning.”
Raila was laid to rest at his Kang’o ka Jaramogi home in Siaya on October 19, next to his father’s mausoleum, in a ceremony attended by local and international dignitaries.
Rising Tension and Fear of Renewed Protests
The passage of the Cyber Crime Law has revived memories of earlier waves of anti-government protests that rocked Kenya in 2023 and 2024.
Opposition leaders have warned that attempts to silence online voices could rekindle street demonstrations if citizens feel their digital freedoms are under siege.
Civil society groups, including Amnesty International Kenya, have urged Ruto’s administration to revisit or recall the law, arguing that Kenya’s 2010 Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and access to information.
Despite mounting criticism, the government has defended the law, saying it will protect citizens from cyber threats, fraud, and online harassment. But analysts believe the political cost could outweigh its intended benefits.
As the conversation grows louder, Ruto faces a difficult choice—either stand firm on the law and risk nationwide protests or recall it and appear to bow to public pressure.
For now, the Cyber Crime Law remains one of the most divisive pieces of legislation in his presidency, testing his government’s commitment to democracy, transparency, and digital freedom.
