Computer and Cyber crimes law challenged in court

A man has moved to court to challenge the Computer and Cyber Crimes Bill 2018 which was enacted into law by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Geoffrey Maina says that the law is oppressive and that it threatens his right to privacy under Article 31 of the constitution.

He presented his petition through Manyonge Wanyama and Associates.

“Some sections of the Act also unreasonably restricts citizens right of access to information under Article 35 of the constitution,” argues Maina.

President Kenyatta signed the Bill into law on May 16. 

According to Maina, the penalties in the Act; Ksh.50million or imprisonment of up to 25 years, are too stiff.

He argues that the law falls short of international standards and requirements and violates treaties and conventions to which Kenya is party.

“The Act was rushed through and passed without public participation,” he said in the suit filed against the Attorney General, National Assembly, DPP and the Inspector General of Police.

The Kenyan bloggers association (BAKE), also lamented over the new law saying it would affect freedom of expression in the country.

BAKE chairman Kennedy Kechwaya said the writers are wary that the government may use the Bill to target those who write articles criticizing the State.