Ruto: We’ll protect Kenyans from social media harassment

President William Ruto has reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding Kenyans from harassment, indecent content, and bullying on social media.

Ruto affirmed that the government will not allow the digital space to become a tool for terrorising citizens.

Speaking in Laikipia, Ruto expressed concern over the rise of online abuse and immoral content targeting young people, warning that the government would take decisive action to protect the mental and emotional well-being of Kenyan.

“Our young people re being harassed; they are being terrorized on social media. We must stop that,” Ruto said.

“There are people running this business of harming our youth, and as a result, many of them are committing suicide because of the kind of terrorism happening online. We must stop them.”

The President defended the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024, saying it is an essential tool in protecting Kenyans from online threats such as cyber harassment, digital 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 said.

Ruto urged critics of the law to “focus on facts and allow the country to move forward,” noting that the amendments had been under development 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 remarked.

His comments come just a day after the High Court temporarily suspended the implementation of key provisions of the amended cybercrime law pending the outcome of a constitutional petition.

On Wednesday, October 22, Justice Lawrence Mugambi issued conservatory orders halting the enforcement of Sections 27(1)(b), 27(1)(c), and 27(2) of the Act, which expand the definition of cyber harassment to include communications deemed “grossly offensive,” “indecent,” or likely to cause “fear or distress.”

“Pending the hearing and determination of this application, a conservatory order is hereby issued suspending the enforcement, implementation, and operation of section 27 (1) (b), (c), and (2) of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2025,” ruled Justice Mugambi.

The orders were issued following an urgent application filed by gospel musician and activist Reuben Kigame, together with the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), arguing that the provisions threaten free expression and privacy rights.

Meanwhile, Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura has sought to allay public fears, assuring that the new law will not erode freedoms of speech or expression.

“The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024 does not give government agencies unchecked powers to silence dissent,” Mwaura said during a press briefing.