Media personality Oga Obinna has openly criticized the Kenyan government for failing to keep citizens properly informed about new laws, arguing that this communication gap has led to confusion and mistrust among the public. Speaking at a public forum on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Obinna said the government must explain new policies clearly before they are signed or enforced.
“The information that we have and also the mistrust that the citizens have with the government is because of a lack of information from the government side,” he said. His remarks came during discussions surrounding President William Ruto’s Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, which has drawn intense public debate since its signing.
Obinna expressed concern over how quickly the law was passed, noting that many Kenyans were left wondering why the process was rushed. “For example, when this bill was passed… signed into law, a lot of Kenyans were asking, Why the rush? That day, we lost someone very important in the world. Why couldn’t the president wait? Why the emergency?”
Why Is Public Communication About Laws So Important?
Obinna questioned whether it should be the citizens’ responsibility to track government activities, emphasizing that leaders are expected to communicate openly and proactively. “People are asking, is it the responsibility of the citizens to follow the government and ask them, hey, what are you doing, ama guys, we are doing abcd… we have a few people that we have elected, the MPs to represent us,” he said.
He added that most Kenyans do not have the legal or technical expertise to understand complex bills without clear explanations, which often results in misinformation spreading online. “Most of us who don’t have expertise in certain areas, that is why you find there is this miscommunication,” he said.
Did the Government Mishandle the Cybercrimes Bill Announcement?
According to Obinna, the timing and handling of the bill’s signing only heightened public tension. “Can we agree that the government is not doing a very good job in communicating with the people? Why the rush of President Ruto signing the Cybercrime Security Bill when we lost someone important to the whole world!” he asked.
The event, attended by MP Phelix Odiwuor (Jalang’o), radio host Alex Mwakideu, and MC Jesse, was organized to clarify the contents of the Cybercrimes law following widespread debate online. Participants agreed that transparent and timely communication from the government is essential to prevent confusion and restore trust among citizens.
Obinna’s remarks captured growing frustration among young Kenyans who increasingly rely on social media for updates yet feel disconnected from official information. His comments reflect a broader demand for a government that not only legislates effectively but also communicates responsibly.
By Risper Akinyi
