Kenyans have increasingly in the past year turned to social media platforms to demand accountability, transcending traditional communication and official uses. However, the growing trend of online dissent and criticism of leaders has raised alarm within government circles. On Thursday, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo emphasised the need to address the misuse of social media, highlighting the risks posed by violent, hateful, and unmoderated content. He called for active monitoring by platforms and the establishment of physical offices by telecommunications companies and social media firms to address online criminal activities. "The increasing trend of irresponsible social media use, often disregarding the limits of free speech, requires urgent action.
Given the real-world consequences of digital actions, a stronger physical presence of enforcement agencies is essential," said Omollo.
He further revealed plans to create a centralised hub for reporting cybercrime and sharing information to protect users from cyber threats.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in another statement also decried rising cyber activities targeting government, describing them as deliberate misinformation campaigns aimed at undermining government credibility. "These cyber activities, many of which include AI-generated deepfakes, fabricated narratives, and coordinated misinformation campaigns, are being sent to foreign capitals," it said. The Musalia Mudavadi-led ministry claimed that the surge in social media misuse has been fueled by the 2024 Gen-Z protests, and warned of potential harm to Kenya's international image.
