Ichung’wah, Junet Urge DCI to Crack Down People Using Social Media to Throw Insults
On Friday, December 27, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah and Minority Leader Junet Mohammed called on authorities to arrest individuals misusing the internet, citing the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act 2018, in light of recent abductions in Kenya.
Speaking at a condolence event for National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula in Mukhweya, Bungoma, the leaders joined the ongoing conversation and urged law enforcement to take action. They called on the police and other investigative agencies to target those breaking the 2018 law, which was designed to tackle cyberbullying and cybercrime.
“The growing trend of abusing people online, especially by sharing offensive images, is troubling,” Junet remarked.
Ichungwah also urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to arrest and publicly name individuals breaking the law, emphasizing that this would serve as a deterrent. “I challenge the DCI to act on those violating the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act and make it known that they have been arrested and taken to court. This will send a strong message to those misusing computers and AI for harmful activities,” he said.
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Ichungwah reminded the DCI and police that the law passed in 2018 remains in full force, despite previous legal challenges. He stressed the need for its implementation to stop the widespread online abuse happening with impunity.
The alleged abductions of Bernard Kavuli, Peter Muteti, Billy Mwangi, and Gideon Kibet (Kibet Bull) are believed to be linked to their online actions, which involved posting offensive AI-generated images of government leaders. Many Kenyans have criticized the state for what they see as “state-sponsored” abductions, arguing that these actions violate the law.
Ichungwah also urged Kenyans to show respect to politicians online and avoid spreading negativity. “We must treat our leaders’ families and homes with the same respect we expect for ourselves,” he stated.
He also condemned individuals, including local politicians, who falsely claim to have been abducted and called on the police to investigate these claims. “False claims of abduction must be addressed by the authorities. These are crimes, and should not be used for political gain,” he added.
The police, however, have denied involvement in the abductions, stating that all operations were carried out by the law.
Ichung’wah, Junet Urge DCI to Crack Down People Using Social Media to Throw Insults
