MPs defend new Cybercrimes Law, say it targets online extremism
By Kiprono Keileb, October 29, 2025Members of Parliament have defended the new Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, saying it is meant to protect Kenyans from harmful online content and not to suppress freedom of expression.
Wajir East MP Mohamed Aden Daudi, who sponsored the law, said the amendments were designed to deal with growing threats in Kenya’s digital space, including child exploitation, terrorism, and extremist content.
“The law is aimed at shutting down channels that promote violent extremism, exploit children online, encourage cultism, or facilitate any unlawful activity in the digital space,” he said.
This comes after the government spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, said that the Law won’t limit free speech.
Speaking during a roundtable meeting at the Panari Hotel on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, which brought together bloggers, influencers, and content creators, Daudi explained that the changes give authorities more power to take down harmful websites and online content. He said the goal is to make Kenya’s online space safer and more accountable.
Daudi also dismissed claims that Parliament pushed the law through without proper public participation or respect for the Constitution. “I am a lawyer and a lawmaker. I have sworn to protect and abide by the Constitution. Neither I nor my colleagues will pass a law that violates it. And if we do, the Judiciary remains the safeguard,” he said, adding that courts have already ruled on some of the contested clauses.
The Bill was first introduced in Parliament on November 24, 2024, and later sent to the Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation for public consultation. Notices were placed in major newspapers on February 18, 2025, inviting views from the public and key institutions, including the Ministry of Industrialisation, Communication and the Digital Economy, the Kenya ICT Action Network, and the Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations.
Daudi expressed concern that misinformation was being spread online about the law.
“Public participation was conducted. Parliamentary Bills are fully accessible online. Through the Bill Tracker on the National Assembly website, anyone can follow every stage from First Reading to Committee deliberations,” he noted.
Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie supported Daudi’s position, saying the new law strengthens efforts to protect children and stop illegal online activity.
“These amendments seek to shield our country from harmful and illegal online conduct, including pornography, child trafficking and the exploitation of minors for sexual content,” he said.
Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor (Jalang’o) and Nandi Hills MP Bernard Kitur were also present during the discussion, which focused on how to balance freedom of expression with online responsibility.