Their concerns come shortly after President William Ruto signed the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Amendment Act 2025 and the Land Amendment Act 2025 into law.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) said the amendments were pushed through Parliament too quickly and without proper consultation.
They argued that laws affecting digital freedoms and land rights should not be passed without listening to those who will be most affected, especially young people who rely heavily on online spaces to express themselves.
According to the bishops, the new cyber law gives government agencies and investigators sweeping powers.
According to the bishops, the new cyber law gives government agencies and investigators sweeping powers.
These include the ability to force the removal of online content, block websites, and shut down digital accounts believed to be promoting unlawful behaviour.
While the government says the law is meant to curb cyberbullying, fraud, and harmful content, critics believe some of the clauses are vague and could easily be misused.
Speaking at the press conference, Archbishop Philip Anyolo said the manner in which the laws were passed has already created suspicion among Kenyans.
Speaking at the press conference, Archbishop Philip Anyolo said the manner in which the laws were passed has already created suspicion among Kenyans.
He added that citizens fear the amendments could be used to silence critics, activists, or young people who challenge government actions.
Anyolo stressed that digital spaces have become the main platform where Kenyans voice their opinions. If the new law is interpreted broadly, he warned, ordinary citizens may be too scared to question leaders or hold the state accountable.
“Public participation is not a formality,” he said.
Anyolo stressed that digital spaces have become the main platform where Kenyans voice their opinions. If the new law is interpreted broadly, he warned, ordinary citizens may be too scared to question leaders or hold the state accountable.
“Public participation is not a formality,” he said.
“It is a constitutional requirement meant to protect democracy. The concerns Kenyans have raised about these laws must be taken seriously, not dismissed.”
The bishops argued that some parts of the cyber law can be twisted to target people with strong opinions, especially those who are vocal on social media.
The bishops argued that some parts of the cyber law can be twisted to target people with strong opinions, especially those who are vocal on social media.
They noted that Kenya has a long history of citizens using online platforms to highlight injustices, expose corruption, and organise peaceful activism. Weakening these freedoms, they said, is dangerous.
The Catholic leaders called on the National Assembly to reopen the laws for further review. According to them, removing vague statements and clarifying who exactly the penalties target would help rebuild public trust.
They also want lawmakers to hold public participation forums in all counties, so citizens can understand the changes and offer their views. The bishops insisted that Kenyans should not be expected to follow laws they were not consulted on.
While acknowledging that online spaces require responsible behaviour, Anyolo said responsibility should not be confused with intimidation. He urged Parliament to protect freedom of expression instead of making citizens feel threatened.
“Young people should express themselves freely,” he added.
The Catholic leaders called on the National Assembly to reopen the laws for further review. According to them, removing vague statements and clarifying who exactly the penalties target would help rebuild public trust.
They also want lawmakers to hold public participation forums in all counties, so citizens can understand the changes and offer their views. The bishops insisted that Kenyans should not be expected to follow laws they were not consulted on.
While acknowledging that online spaces require responsible behaviour, Anyolo said responsibility should not be confused with intimidation. He urged Parliament to protect freedom of expression instead of making citizens feel threatened.
“Young people should express themselves freely,” he added.
“We encourage them to speak with respect, but we do not want them to fear their own government.”
Beyond the cyber law debate, the bishops used their platform to remind young people about the ongoing accelerated voter registration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Beyond the cyber law debate, the bishops used their platform to remind young people about the ongoing accelerated voter registration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
They described voting as one of the most peaceful and powerful tools citizens have to influence leadership.
They encouraged youth—many of whom are active on social media but reluctant to vote—to take registration seriously
“Registering as a voter secures your voice and contribution to the nation’s destiny,” the bishops said.
They encouraged youth—many of whom are active on social media but reluctant to vote—to take registration seriously
“Registering as a voter secures your voice and contribution to the nation’s destiny,” the bishops said.
“Your vote is your demand for justice, accountability, and good leadership.”
They also appealed to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to increase registration centres in remote areas.
They also appealed to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to increase registration centres in remote areas.
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