By Janet Philip
Kenyan legislators are calling for urgent reforms to curb rising abuse on social media platforms, particularly the spread of sexual content, online bullying, and exploitation of minors. The move comes amid growing concern about the misuse of digital spaces and their impact on society, especially the youth.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on May 29, 2025, Dagoretti North Member of Parliament Beatrice Elachi strongly criticized the current state of online activity, describing social media as a "channel of online abuse, sexual abuse of children, pornography, and gambling."
"Social media has good potential. It was supposed to encourage personal development — but instead, we are being sent obscene images. This is what is happening now, and we are going to change the law," Elachi said.
She emphasized that lawmakers, particularly women MPs, were preparing to take action to introduce legal reforms to safeguard users from the toxic and harmful content circulating online.
"As women members of parliament, at one time we will show you our phones. We are going to change the law that makes this right," she added, alluding to the frequent harassment and indecent messages they receive.
Elachi also expressed concern over the growing trend among young people to use social media to attack leaders and peers, calling it a misuse of the right to free expression.
The discussion followed closely on the heels of the National Prayer Breakfast held on May 28, 2025, at Safari Park, where MPs publicly prayed for national unity and an end to online hostility. Lawmakers openly called on divine guidance to heal the nation from what they described as the “spirit behind the misuse of social media.”
"Our youth are suffering, and we pray that the spirit of the negative use of social media that is pervasive in our country goes away," Elachi told attendees during the event. "We should embrace what is best for our country and for generations to come."
She concluded with a heartfelt plea: "We recognize, as lawmakers, that we must indeed do something about this. And we shall not be afraid to take a position based on what we think is good for our country. Father, we ask for your forgiveness."
The lawmakers’ commitment signals the start of a legislative push to review existing cyber laws and possibly introduce new penalties for digital abuse, even as critics warn against infringing on free speech. A formal bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament in the coming months.
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