A storm is brewing within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ranks as members call for the immediate repeal of the Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act, linking it to increasing incidents of youth abductions, police brutality, and the recent killing of blogger and teacher, Albert Ojwang.
ODM stalwart Betty Sharon led the outcry, accusing legislators of double standards for passing what she termed a “draconian law” only to lament its consequences later. “When Parliamentarians want to pass an act that favours them, they pass it without blinking. Then they come back and shed crocodile tears when it turns the tables on us,” said Sharon, visibly agitated.
Ojwang, who was arrested in Homa Bay and later died under mysterious circumstances in a Nairobi police station, has become a symbol of the law’s alleged misuse. ODM members argue that the Cybercrime Act, which criminalises online expression including defamation, has emboldened police to target outspoken youth and bloggers.
“This act promotes mistreatment. Before its enactment, defamation was a civil matter. Now it’s a crime, and it’s costing young lives,” added Sharon.
Youth leader Samson Okute expressed frustration over the continuous deaths of young people in police custody. He called for the Deputy Inspector General of Police to step aside, citing conflict of interest, as he is linked to the arrest that led to Ojwang’s death.
Oginga Randiki, another ODM figure, condemned MPs for pretending to sympathise while having supported the very legislation under scrutiny. “It’s not fair for MPs to cry with us while they are the ones who passed this oppressive law. It must be repealed,” he said.
The group also criticised the Ksh 100 million allocation to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for spyware in the 2025/2026 budget. They argue the funds should be redirected to sectors that protect rather than infringe on citizens’ rights.
Lenny Oguna and Raphael Wakaya urged the government to end abductions and gender-based violence and lauded the media for highlighting injustices. They vowed to keep pushing for justice for Ojwang and to protect Kenya’s digital and civic freedoms.
