By Edward Lyomu – Mulembe Times, October 24, 2025
President William Ruto has dismissed claims that his administration acted in bad faith when he signed eight bills into law shortly before announcing the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking during the burial of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja’s father, Mzee Weston Kirocho Kanja, in Thome, Laikipia County, the Head of State maintained that the legislative process followed all constitutional procedures and that there was nothing secretive about the signings.
“Tuseme ukweli, unajua kuna watu wanatafuta kuchafua Kenya kwa mbinu zote… oooh rais alisign… hii sheria ilikuweko. Amendment ilianza 2024 kupitia bunge,” Ruto said. “Mimi niliamka Wednesday, na hiyo ndiyo ilikuwa kazi yangu siku hiyo. Na ilikuwa kazi ya kikatiba ya kutia sahihi. Bahati mbaya, tukapoteza waziri wetu wa zamani lakini tayari nilikuwa ofisini. Hata tayari nilikuwa nimevaa shati naenda Ukambani kwa mambo ya barabara. So, I was on duty just like any other citizen.”
The President emphasized that the signing of the laws was a routine constitutional duty and not linked to any other national event.
“Hakuna kitu ya kuficha, ya giza. We’re doing the right thing for Kenya,” he insisted, adding that those politicizing the issue were “trying to taint Kenya’s leadership for personal gain.”
Defending New Laws
President Ruto went on to defend some of the newly enacted laws, particularly the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, which has attracted widespread criticism from human rights groups, opposition leaders, and digital rights activists.
According to Ruto, the law aims to protect Kenya from online dangers, including extremism, pornography, and cyber harassment.
“Maneno ya religious extremism yenye inatuletea hasara kama ya Shakahola lazima tuzuie. Vijana wetu wanaangamizwa huko social media na mambo machafu. Mambo ya usherati. Mambo ya pornography lazima tuzuie,” he said.
“Wale wanatumia mitandao kueneza ugaidi, we must also stand up to them and protect Kenya.”
The Eight Bills Signed Into Law
On October 15, 2025, President Ruto assented to eight pieces of legislation:
- Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2024
- Privatisation Bill, 2025
- Wildlife Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023
- National Land Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023
- Land (Amendment) Bill, 2022
- Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment) Bill, 2025
- National Police Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024
- Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, 2025
These laws touch on a broad range of governance areas, including land reforms, digital asset regulation, and national security oversight.
Public Outcry Over Cybercrime Amendments
Critics have, however, raised concerns over the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, particularly Section 27, which expands the scope of cyber harassment offences.
The provision introduces a fine not exceeding Ksh.20 million or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years for those found guilty of the offence.
Civil society groups, led by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and former presidential aspirant Reuben Kigame, have challenged the amendment in court, arguing that it threatens freedom of expression and could be used to stifle dissent.
Following a petition, High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi of the Milimani Law Courts issued temporary orders suspending the implementation of the contentious clause pending a full hearing and determination of the case.
Balancing Security and Freedom
Legal experts remain divided on the implications of the new cybercrime law. While some believe it strengthens national security and digital accountability, others warn that it could become a tool for political suppression, especially ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Ruto, however, maintains that the intention is purely to “tidy up” the digital space and safeguard young Kenyans from online exploitation.
“Our goal is not to silence anyone,” he reiterated. “It is to protect Kenya from harmful content and criminal activity online.”
As the court battle continues, Kenyans remain watchful of how the new laws will be implemented — and whether they will truly serve the public interest or further strain the delicate balance between national security and civil liberties.
