President William Ruto has pushed back against criticism surrounding his decision to sign the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill into law on the same day former Prime Minister Raila Odinga died, saying his actions were purely guided by constitutional obligation, not insensitivity.
Speaking Thursday at the burial of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, the Head of State said he had simply carried out his official duty as required by law.
“I woke up on Wednesday, and the signing was my work for the day—it is a constitutional mandate,” Ruto explained. “I was to sign because the Bill had passed all stages and had been brought to me by the Speaker. But by bad luck, we lost one of our leaders.”
Ruto dismissed what he termed as “misplaced outrage” over the timing, insisting that his work as President does not stop, even during moments of national grief.
“I was on duty just like any other citizen. There was nothing to hide—I was not doing anything at night,” he said.
Defending the essence of the new law, Ruto said Kenya could no longer afford to treat digital threats lightly.
“We must protect our young people and the security of our country from situations that undermine our well-being,” he said, adding that the cyber world had become a dangerous tool for misinformation, radicalization, and organized crime.
“Kenya must stand up to those who use the digital space to spread terrorism. There are people who want to destroy Kenya by all means,” he warned.
The President’s remarks mark his first detailed explanation since the law’s signing, a move that sparked mixed reactions, with some viewing it as necessary for national security while others see it as a potential blow to online freedoms.