The Catholic Church in Embu has thrown its weight behind President William Ruto’s newly enacted Cybercrime Act, hailing it as a moral compass for a society increasingly shaped by digital conversations.
Speaking during a Thanksgiving Mass at Embu College, Bishop Peter Kimani Ndung’u lauded the government’s move to rein in online misconduct, saying the law would help “restore decency and responsibility” in Kenya’s cyberspace.
“Freedom of expression should not be used as an excuse to harm others or spread falsehoods,” the bishop cautioned. “Some people have turned social media into platforms of hate, insults, and division. This Act will help us draw the line.”
The prelate lamented that unregulated online behavior has led to moral decay, especially among young people, urging them to uphold Christian values both offline and online. “Our moral uprightness must be total,” he said. “The internet should not be a place where faith and ethics are abandoned.”
Bishop Kimani also appealed to authorities to apply the law fairly and justly, ensuring it does not become a tool for political suppression or the silencing of legitimate criticism. “We support regulation—but it must serve justice, not fear,” he noted.
The Cybercrime Act, signed into law by President Ruto earlier this month, seeks to combat online fraud, defamation, cyberbullying, and the spread of false information. While it has drawn praise from religious and moral groups, critics warn that it could be misused to stifle dissent and limit free speech.
Still, for the Catholic Diocese of Embu, the legislation marks a step in the right direction. “If used responsibly,” Bishop Kimani concluded, “this law will not only protect reputations—it will help rebuild a society where truth, respect, and kindness thrive online.”
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