Cybercrime and misuse of social media could land you in jail, warns Interior CS Murkomen
He noted that freedom of speech should not be used as an excuse for criminal activity, particularly on social media.
Youths misusing social media and engaging in cybercrime now face the risk of arrest and prosecution, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned.
Speaking during a funeral in Siongiroi, Bomet County on Saturday, Murkomen said the government will take a tough stance on crime, particularly in the context of ongoing concerns about abductions in the country.
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“The government will deal firmly with crime in the country, and we will ensure all citizens are held accountable. Even those who have been accused of various crimes will be produced before the law to face charges. The business of the government of Kenya is not to abduct people but to arrest and charge them in court,” he said.
The Interior CS assured the public that the government will always uphold the law.
“We will be very firm and tough in following the law,” he said.
He was addressing mourners at the funeral of Ian Kiprotich Singoei, a 26-year-old engineer whose body was found in Mwiki River, Kasarani, four days after he went missing on New Year’s Eve.
Initially suspected to have been a victim of abduction, Singoei’s family confirmed that his death was due to drowning and not related to the wave of abductions sweeping the country.
Murkomen’s remarks come amid protests over the rising cases of abductions and enforced disappearances of individuals, particularly those critical of the government.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported at least 82 abductions in 2024, with only 29 cases resolved. Meanwhile, a report presented to Parliament by President William Ruto revealed 52 kidnapping cases between September 2023 and August 2024, a rise from 36 cases in the previous year.
Social media
During his speech, Murkomen also reiterated the government’s position on cybercrime. He noted that freedom of speech should not be used as an excuse for criminal activity, particularly on social media.
“There is enough provision in the Penal Code to charge those misusing social media. We will not hesitate to do so. This country must operate under law and order,” he said.
The CS said it is the role of the Judiciary to determine whether those arrested are granted bail or not.
“My job is to maintain law and order, and the team I work with is apolitical. From now on, you will see an apolitical Murkomen. It doesn’t matter whether you are my friend or relative — the law must be applied and followed,” he said.
Murkomen’s comments on social media misuse followed similar remarks by President William Ruto, who on January 10 condemned the use of online platforms to depict political leaders in coffins.
Ruto warned that such trends, which he claimed were being fuelled by some unnamed politicians, could lead to self-destruction among the youth.
“I want to ask those who are encouraging young people to continue this trend of putting people in coffins to be careful,” Ruto said in Turbo, Uasin Gishu County.
“We must teach our youth good morals and character. Instead of using the internet for harmful images, use it to create jobs, earn money, and improve your lives.”
