Criminal lawyer Cliff Ombeta has defended President William Ruto’s decision to sign the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, saying the law is necessary to protect ordinary Kenyans from growing online abuse and fraud.
Responding to sharp criticism from former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi—who called the law a weapon against courage—Ombeta said the president had made the right call.
“Actually, Ruto dodged a bullet,” Ombeta remarked on Friday. “What a disappointment to see leaders politicizing something that should be about justice. Do you know how many people are suffering as a result of those crimes?”
Ombeta argued that the debate around the law had been distorted by politicians seeking to score points rather than address the real victims of cybercrime.
“I’d rather the corrupt and the politicians get shielded online,” he said, “if that means the poor, helpless, law-abiding, and innocent citizens are protected from online criminals.”
The lawyer dismissed claims that the law was designed to silence dissent, saying those opposing it were ignoring the rampant rise in cyber fraud, online harassment, and identity theft cases that have left many Kenyans vulnerable.
“There must be accountability in digital spaces too,” he added.
His remarks come amid a heated national debate following President Ruto’s signing of the bill earlier this week.
While Muturi and several civil society groups have described it as an attempt to stifle free expression, supporters argue it fills long-standing legal gaps in Kenya’s digital landscape.
Ombeta maintained that the law should be implemented responsibly but firmly.
“Freedom of expression should never come at the expense of justice,” he said. “Protecting citizens from exploitation is not oppression—it is leadership.”
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