Cybercrimes law protects children, fights cults, Wetang'ula says
National
By
Benard Lusigi
| Oct 27, 2025
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has defended the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, saying it seeks to protect the sanctity of the family unit particularly children while curbing violent extremism, online exploitation, and the spread of cultism.
Speaking on Sunday during a church service at St Teresa’s Isanjiro Catholic Church in Malava Town, Kakamega County, Wetang’ula dismissed claims that the law is intended to muzzle free speech, insisting it is a moral safeguard designed to promote responsible digital behaviour.
“Sometimes, as a Catholic, I feel saddened when people spread falsehoods about this law. The Act is not meant to gag anyone or restrict legitimate expression,” said Wetang’ula.
“It is meant to protect our families, especially our children, from harmful online content, deter violent extremism, and stop the spread of cult-like ideologies that prey on the young and vulnerable.”
Wetang’ula noted that while Kenya’s digital transformation has brought immense benefits in commerce, education, and communication, it has also exposed society to new risks such as cyberbullying, child pornography, online radicalisation, and misinformation.
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“It would be irresponsible for leaders to look away while children are being exposed to violent, pornographic, or extremist content,” he said, warning that the moral foundation of society is at risk if digital spaces are not regulated.
The Speaker emphasized that the law empowers a dedicated commission to identify, penalise, and take down websites promoting harmful content including cultism, violent extremism and pornography.
“We saw what happened in Shakahola, where innocent Kenyans lost their lives after being brainwashed through digital platforms. Such tragedies must never happen again,” he said.
Wetang’ula said the law strengthens existing mechanisms for detecting, preventing, and prosecuting digital offenses including cyber harassment, online fraud, and radicalisation while encouraging responsible online behaviour.