President William Ruto has defended his decision to sign the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2024, into law on the same day former Prime Minister Raila Odinga passed away, saying he was simply fulfilling his constitutional duty.
Speaking on Thursday, Ruto dismissed claims that the timing of his assent was insensitive, emphasizing that the process was a normal government function.
“This law was there; the amendment started in 2024, and it was done by Parliament. I woke up on Wednesday, and that was my job that morning. It is a constitutional job to assent to Bills because it had passed all levels,” the President said.
He was at the funeral of Inspector General of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja’s father, Weston Kirocho.
Ruto acknowledged the nation’s grief over Odinga’s death but maintained that his official duties had to continue.
“Sadly, we lost our former Prime Minister, but I was already in office for that work. I was even headed to Ukambani. So, I was on duty just like any other citizen,” he said.
The President rejected any suggestion of ulterior motives behind the signing, insisting that his administration was committed to upholding the law and protecting Kenyans.
“There is nothing we are hiding. We are doing the right thing for Kenya. We want to protect this nation from situations that undermine the well-being of the young people of our nation and the security of the country,” he added.
The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to strengthen Kenya’s cyber laws by enhancing penalties for online offences and improving mechanisms to combat digital crimes.
Ruto’s remarks come amid public debate over the timing of the assent, with some critics saying it coincided insensitively with the country’s mourning period following Odinga’s death.
News of the former Prime Minister’s death broke hours after the head of state assented to the bill, alongside seven others.
Activists and social media users have insisted that it introduces punitive fines and jail terms.
On Wednesday, the High Court issued conservatory orders suspending implementation and operationalization of sections of the new Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes law.
