National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has defended the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, saying it is designed to protect families, particularly children, and to curb online extremism, exploitation, and cultism in Kenya.
Speaking during a church service at St. Teresa’s Isanjiro Catholic Church in Malava, Wetang’ula dismissed claims that the law is intended to suppress free speech, insisting it promotes moral responsibility in the digital era.
“The Act is not meant to gag anyone or restrict legitimate expression. It is meant to protect our families, especially children, from harmful online content and prevent the spread of extremist and cult-like ideologies,” he said.
The Speaker noted that while Kenya’s digital growth has advanced commerce, education, and communication, it has also created risks such as cyberbullying, child pornography, radicalization, and misinformation.
“It would be irresponsible of us to ignore the dangers children face online. The moral foundation of our society is at risk if digital spaces remain unregulated,” he warned.
Wetang’ula cited global examples, including cases in the United States, to show that Kenya’s law aligns with international best practices aimed at safeguarding children.
He added that the law empowers a dedicated commission to identify, penalize, and remove websites promoting pornography, cultism, or violent extremism.
“We saw what happened in Shakahola, where lives were lost due to brainwashing through digital platforms. Such tragedies must never happen again,” he said, urging parents to monitor their children’s online activities.
He commended the Catholic Church for supporting the law, saying faith-based institutions play a vital role in upholding family values in the digital age.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who accompanied the Speaker, also defended the law, saying critics are misrepresenting its intent.
“The amendment was modeled to protect Kenyan families from unregulated online content that destroys morals and family unity,” Ichung’wah said.
He explained that the 2025 amendments strengthen provisions of the 2018 Cybercrimes Act, enhancing the fight against cyber harassment, online child exploitation, and digital fraud.
“If your website promotes education or business, you have nothing to fear. But if it spreads pornography or extremist propaganda, it will be pulled down,” he cautioned.
Wetang’ula concluded that while Parliament remains open to reviewing the law, protecting children and national security is non-negotiable.
