The leadership of the National Assembly has called for stronger enforcement of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Law in response to increasing online insults directed at leaders.
The call comes amid ongoing discussions about abductions across the country, with lawmakers urging the police to take action against individuals misusing digital platforms.
Leader of Majority, Kimani Ichung’wah, expressed concern over the growing trend of computer and social media misuse, particularly among the youth.
He emphasized that police should arrest and prosecute those involved in online misconduct, serving as a deterrent to others.
“Arrest them publicly, take them to court, and make it clear that these actions will not be tolerated,” Ichung’wah stated.
He specifically cited the troubling practice of using artificial intelligence to manipulate images of leaders in compromising situations, such as photoshopping them into coffins.
Ichung’wah made these remarks in Mukhweya, Bungoma, while paying condolences to the family of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, following the death of his mother.
He also stressed the importance of respect, even for leaders who may not be popular with certain groups.
“Respect is not just for me but for their families, for the people they represent. Leaders have children, parents, and relatives who deserve respect,” he added.
The Kikuyu MP also noted that the laws governing online conduct, which were passed in 2018, are fully enforceable, and it is up to the police and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to apply them to address the growing issue of online insults.
“These laws are in place, and all the police need to do is implement them to put an end to this impunity,” Ichung’wah said.
On the same topic, Leader of Minority, Junet Mohammed, voiced his concerns over the escalating online harassment of leaders.
While acknowledging the right to freedom of speech, he emphasized that it should be exercised within legal boundaries.
He condemned the recent trend of social media users posting offensive content, including images of the president in a coffin.
“Posting the president in a coffin on Facebook or Twitter is unacceptable. Those responsible should be arrested and taken to court,” he said.
Ichung’wah also addressed the growing number of people claiming to have been abducted, only to later appear unharmed, suggesting that some are using these allegations for political gain.
He called for these individuals to be arrested, pointing out that such actions were being used to stir up unrest among the public.
He urged families who believe their loved ones have been abducted to report the matter to the police for investigation, reinforcing the need for accountability.
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