President William Ruto has defended his decision to sign the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024, on the same day opposition leader Raila Odinga passed away.

Speaking on Thursday, October 23, Ruto said the bill was introduced in Parliament in 2024, and it went through all the stages as required by law.

Ruto explained that it was a coincidence that the signing of the bill coincided with the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

He explained that the bill was brought by National Assembly Moses Wetangula for assent, and he was just performing his constitutional mandate.

Ruto said he was ready for work that day and was supposed to visit the Ukambani region immediately after assenting to the bills.

“Some people are out to destroy Kenya by all means. This law has been there since 2024. The MPs made this amendment. I woke up on Wednesday, and that was my work that day, and it is a constitutional mandate. It was brought by the speaker after it had passed all the stages. By bad luck, we lost the former Prime Minister. But I was already at work for that job. I had even dressed up, ready to go to Ukambani for issues with roads. I was on duty like any other citizen,” Ruto said.

Ruto Dismisses Claims of Covering Up the Law

The President emphasized that there is nothing to hide in the Cybercrime law, and it is only meant to protect Kenya and the welfare of its citizens.

He asked those opposed to the bill to stop spreadinf rumors and stick to facts while communicating to the people.

“There is nothing to hide; 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, Kenyans, and the security. People should stop the misinformation, disinformation, and speak what is right,” he said.

Also Read: Blow to Govt as Court Suspends Parts of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act

Profiting from Social Media Bullying

Ruto said there are profiting from terrorizing Kenyans on social media, and the government must stop them.

He stated that some people are spreading dirty content like pornography, which has led to cases of suicide among the youth.

Ruto emphasized that the government would take firm action to curb the spread of such content and hold accountable those behind online exploitation.

Also Read: Legislative Process Behind the New Law Allowing Govt to Regulate Social Media and Block Websites

“Our youth are being terrorized on social media with dirty things like pornography. We must stop that as a government. We must stop those involved in the business of harming our youth, forcing some of them to commit suicide because of terrorism on social media,” he said.

“Those who are using social media to advance terrorism, we must also stand up to them and protect Kenya.”

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and WhatsApp Community for instant news updates

National Assembly session on October 8, 2025. PHOTO/Parliament.