Wetang’ula: Kenya Must Regulate Internet to Protect Children from Digital Exploitation

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula yesterday joined the growing defence of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, stating that the bill protects the dignity of Kenyan families.

Speaking  during a church service at St. Teresa’s Isanjiro Catholic Church in Malava Town, Kakamega County, Wetang’ula dismissed claims that bill aims to silence freedom of expression. Like other government officials before him, he explained that it promotes responsible digital behavior as well as combating violent extremism, online exploitation, and propaganda of cultism in Kenya.

“Sometimes, as a Catholic, I feel saddened when people spread falsehoods about this law. The Act is not meant to gag anyone or restrict legitimate expression,” Wetang’ula said.

“It is meant to protect our families, especially our children, from harmful online content, deter violent extremism, and stop the spread of cult-like ideologies that prey on the young and vulnerable.”

Wetangula explained that Kenya’s rapid digitalization has presented huge benefits in business, education, and communication but has also opened up society to huge risks such as cyberbullying, child exploitation, online radicalization, and spread of false information.

“It would be irresponsible of us as leaders to look away while children are being exposed to violent, pornographic, or extremist content online,” he said, warning that society’s moral foundation could crumble if digital platforms remain unregulated.

He cited a case in the United States where authorities imprisoned an adult for inciting a minor to self-harm through online interactions, Wetang’ula explained that the law draws on the best international practices that seek to safeguard children and families.

“As a lawyer of many years, I can assure you this law is sound. Countries like the United States, France, Australia, and the United Kingdom have enacted similar laws to protect their societies. Kenya cannot be left behind,” he said.

According to Wetang’ula, the bill gives power to an dedicated commission to monitor, sanction, and shut down platforms that spread toxic content such as cultism, violent extremism, and pornography. He referred to the 2023 Shakahola tragedy as a stark reminder of the dangers that unregulated online spaces pose.

“We saw what happened in Shakahola, where innocent Kenyans lost their lives after being brainwashed through digital platforms. Such tragedies must never happen again,” he stated.

The Speaker urged parents to be extremely keen and take an active role in monitoring their children’s online activity.

“When I leave my phone with my children, I want them to see messages that are decent and educational, not pornographic material. As parents and as a nation, we must protect our children because they are still in formative stages,” he said.

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