Busia Senator Okiyah Omtatah has raised alarm over the newly enacted Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, warning that it could usher in what he termed a “digital dictatorship” in Kenya.
In a statement released on Thursday, October 23, 2025, Omtatah said while he welcomed President William Ruto’s assent to eight new Bills passed by Parliament on October 15, some provisions within the cybercrime law are unconstitutional and dangerous to democracy.
“I commend the Executive and Parliament for advancing reforms in tourism, land registration, wildlife conservation, and digital finance,” Omtatah noted. “However, the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act contains vague and overly broad clauses that threaten freedom of expression and access to information.”
The senator expressed concern that the law could give the state sweeping powers to monitor citizens’ online activities and even shut down digital platforms without proper legal oversight.
“It risks turning Kenya into a surveillance state where online platforms can be shut down without due process,” he warned.
Known for his relentless defense of constitutional rights, Omtatah vowed to move to court to challenge the contentious sections of the Act.
“My stand is principled, not political,” he said. “I will support all laws that promote justice and accountability, but I will firmly oppose any that undermine the Constitution or erode the sovereignty of the people,” he said.
His warning has reignited debate over the government’s growing control of the digital space.
While some citizens applaud the law as a tool to fight online fraud and cyberbullying, others fear it could be weaponized to silence dissent and restrict online freedoms.