Lang’ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has called on Kenyans to read and understand the recently amended Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act before rushing to criticise it. Speaking during a public awareness event on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Jalang’o admitted that he, too, once condemned government actions without first reviewing the facts.
“But the truth is, even I, as a first-time member of parliament I get to learn a lot of things every single day. And I used to sit on this side and everything that I used to do was to criticise even before I read it,” Jalang’o said. His remarks came amid widespread online debates over President William Ruto’s signing of the Cybercrimes Amendment Bill, which has faced heavy public scrutiny.
Why Is There Confusion About the Cybercrimes Law?
Jalang’o explained that many Kenyans were misled into believing the legislation was entirely new, when in fact, it is an amendment to an existing law passed in 2018. “As we speak, this bill is a bill of 2018, meaning ni kitu imekua, what has been done by mheshimiwa from Wajir, ni amendment, yenye ameongezea pale,” he clarified.
He said that misinformation circulating on social media had exaggerated the law’s impact. “But ungeona pale mtandaoni vitu watu walishaandika, ilikuwa ohhh gava sai itakua inaingia kwa simu yako, 20 million utapigwa fine… ohh ukitumiwa fare usikule… ukose kuenda… kulikua na story mob,” he said.
Jalang’o noted that false claims about government surveillance and excessive fines fueled unnecessary public panic. He encouraged citizens to seek accurate information before reacting. “We continue having forums like these again and again so that we can demystify some of these issues that we are having. Hata mimi nilikuwa napinga kila kitu kabla ya kusoma,” he added.
What Is the Government’s Stand on the Cybercrimes Amendments?
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura addressed the growing concerns, assuring the public that the new amendments aim to strengthen protections against cybercrime rather than suppress online expression.
“It is important to note that the new amendments do not curtail freedom of expression or give government agencies unchecked power to silence dissent, as alleged,” Mwaura stated on October 23, 2025.
He urged citizens to verify information through credible sources and not rely on viral social media posts. Mwaura added that the government remains open to dialogue and public feedback on any law that affects Kenyans.
The event, attended by several media personalities and lawmakers, reflected a growing call for civic education on digital policies. Both Jalang’o and Mwaura emphasized that understanding the law is the first step toward constructive civic engagement and responsible online discourse.
By Risper Akinyi
