Eldoret Activist Calls for Fast-Tracking Cybercrime Law Case Amid Rising Online Abuses

 

 Human Rights Activist Kipkorir Ngetich has urged the Judiciary to expedite the hearing of a petition challenging Kenya’s new cybercrime laws, describing the matter as one of great public interest and national security significance.

In a statement released on Thursday, Ngetich said while he welcomes the petitioner’s decision to use legal and constitutional means to express their concerns, the courts must act swiftly to determine the validity and scope of the new laws, noting that “this is a historic moment on the balance scale between anarchy and justice.”

“We can’t afford to pretend that we have not suffered pain and anguish as a result of criminal activities on social media platforms,” said Ngetich. “Abuse of social media is a threat to security, social and economic justice for every human being, government, and even the judiciary itself.”

He warned that Kenya, like many countries globally, is facing a surge in organized and sophisticated cybercrimes, including identity theft, impersonation, ransomware, and online investment scams. These, he said, continue to exploit the expanding digital space and often hide under the guise of freedom of expression and democracy.

“Freedoms and rights do not extend to criminal activities. No one should agitate for the protection of criminals in social spaces,” Ngetich emphasized. “It is totally misleading to ignore the challenge of cybercrime that causes enormous damage to our families, leaders, and institutions.”

The activist noted that social media has become a breeding ground for dangerous criminal activities, from planning crimes to evading capture, thereby complicating law enforcement efforts. He called on the government to strengthen regulations to safeguard citizens and restore justice for victims of online abuse.

Ngetich further warned that unchecked social media use is eroding moral and social values, particularly among the youth, whom he described as “increasingly exposed to violence, immorality, tribalism, and substance abuse through online influence.”

“The government must restore order on social media and completely curb impersonators, propagandists, and warmongers,” he said. “We must stop being a testing ground for cybercriminals. Every nation has a duty to protect its people from online harm.”

Ngetich concluded by expressing hope that Kenya will strike a balance between safeguarding digital freedoms and ensuring accountability, especially as the country heads toward the 2027 General Elections.