A Kenyan citizen, Francis Awino, has moved to the High Court challenging the constitutionality of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024, which came into effect after being signed into law by President William Ruto on 15th October 2025.
In a Certificate of Urgency filed under Article 23(3) of the Constitution, Awino argues that the amended law introduces oppressive and unconstitutional provisions that criminalize online expression and grant sweeping powers to the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NCCCC) to block websites and social media platforms without judicial approval.
Awino says these provisions infringe on fundamental freedoms protected by the Constitution, including freedom of expression, media freedom, fair administrative action, and the right to a fair hearing under Articles 33, 34, 47, and 50.
He warns that unless the court intervenes urgently, citizens risk being arbitrarily arrested, detained, or prosecuted under the disputed provisions, resulting in irreparable harm to rights and public interest.
The petition names four respondents the Attorney General, the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NCCCC), the Inspector-General of Police, and the Parliament of Kenya.
Awino now wants the court to hear the matter on a priority basis and issue conservatory orders suspending the implementation of the contested amendments pending full determination of the petition.
