Cybercrime Laws: Parliament Raises Concern Over Distorted Clauses Online

Kenya, 8 November 2025 - The National Assembly has raised concerns over what it terms the circulation of falsified clauses in a petition contesting the recently enacted Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024.

National Assembly Clerk Samuel Njoroge said the alleged forgeries reflect a growing problem of misinformation surrounding legislative processes, warning that the spread of altered versions of official documents could undermine public confidence in Parliament.

Speaking during the KEPSA–National Assembly Roundtable in Mombasa on Friday, Njoroge said the contentious cybercrime law had been “heavily distorted” in public circulation.

Although he did not identify the groups involved, Njoroge noted that the misinformation had sparked unnecessary public concern and confusion about the content of the law.

He added that similar incidents have occurred after other bills were signed into law, citing cases where counterfeit copies of newly assented acts were shared widely online with fabricated amendments.

Court Suspends Parts of Cybercrime Law

Meanwhile, the High Court has temporarily halted implementation of specific provisions of the cybercrime amendments, pending the outcome of multiple petitions challenging their constitutionality.

Justice Lawrence Mugambi on Thursday suspended Sections 27(1)(b) and 6 of the Act, as well as Section 6(1)(j)(a), which empowers authorities to block websites or applications deemed to promote unlawful activity or obscene content.

The suspension will remain in place until six petitions challenging the amendments are fully heard and determined.

The consolidated cases were filed by, among others, gospel artist Reuben Kigame and Kirinyaga Woman Representative Jane Njeri, who argue that the new law infringes on digital rights and freedom of expression.

Other Bills Reportedly Altered

Njoroge further revealed that misinformation has affected several other pieces of proposed legislation.

A Bill sponsored by MP Simon King’ara, which aims to safeguard public land, was falsely circulated online with claims that it sought to introduce new land taxes. Another, by Suna West MP Peter Masara, designed to provide psychosocial support for police officers, was misrepresented as proposing pay cuts for officers.

The clerk urged Kenyans to verify legislative information from official parliamentary sources and remain cautious of online misinformation.