Human Rights Activist and Gospel musician Reuben Kigame |Photo/X)
Human rights activist and gospel musician Reuben Kigame, together with the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), has filed a petition challenging the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024, signed into law by President William Ruto on October 15, 2025.
Critics warn that the new law could entrench digital authoritarianism by giving the government sweeping powers to police online expression, monitor citizens and suppress dissent.
At the center of the legal challenge is a contentious clause criminalizing the spread of false, misleading or mischievous information. The petitioners argue that the vague language gives the state dangerous discretion to determine what constitutes truth effectively allowing it to silence critics.
“This law gives the government power to decide who can speak and who cannot. It legalizes fear,” Kigame said after filing the petition.
Another contested provision requires all social media users to verify their accounts using government-issued identification. KHRC warns that this move violates the right to privacy under Article 31 of the Constitution and would strip away anonymity that protects whistleblowers, journalists and victims of state abuse.
“Mandatory identity verification exposes individuals to surveillance, harassment and intimidation in a country with a history of silencing dissent,” the petition notes.
On behalf of the great people of Kenya @thekhrc and I have filed a petition in the High Court under Certificate of Urgency challenging the recently-signed Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Bill hurriedly and secretly signed by the President into law on 15/10/2025. pic.twitter.com/LzsCCr2Ty4
Digital rights advocates have also criticized the law’s demand that online platforms swiftly delete flagged content, calling it an invitation to over-censor and create a chilling effect on free speech.
The petition further argues that Parliament’s passage of the bill was unconstitutional, as it should have been debated in the Senate given its implications for county governance.
If successful, the case could redefine the limits of state power over Kenya’s digital space and set a precedent for online freedom and privacy in the region.
Moureen Koech is a digital journalist who delivers clear, engaging and timely stories for online audiences. She focuses on human-interest features, current affairs and digital trends, ensuring every story is accurate and impactful.
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