The High Court in Nairobi has temporarily suspended a section of Kenya's Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act that introduced severe penalties for cyber harassment, including fines of up to Sh20 million or imprisonment for up to 10 years.

• Penalties of up to Sh20 million or 10 years imprisonment for cyber harassment have been suspended.
• Justice Lawrence Mugambi issued the conservatory order following an application by gospel musician Dr. Reuben Kigame Lichete and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC).
• The suspended clauses, part of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, were challenged due to concerns they could infringe upon freedom of expression by criminalizing legitimate online criticism.

The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024, signed by President William Ruto on October 15, 2025, is facing a legal challenge at the Milimani Law Courts. Petitioners argue the law infringes upon constitutional rights including privacy and freedom of expression.

• The petition was filed by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and Reuben Kigame, naming the Attorney General and the Speaker of the National Assembly as respondents.
• The contentious law is accused of containing vague provisions that criminalize legitimate online expression and granting government agencies unchecked powers without judicial oversight, violating Articles 31, 33, 34, 35, and 36 of the Constitution.
• Former Chief Justice David Maraga has criticized President Ruto's administration for fast-tracking contentious legislation, backing the legal challenges.

The High Court has temporarily halted the enforcement of key sections of Kenya's newly signed Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024. This suspension comes after a petition challenged the act's potential impact on digital freedom and freedom of expression.

• A conservative order was issued on Wednesday, October 22, by Justice Lawrence Mugambi.
• The order specifically suspends Section 27(1)(b), (c), and (2) of the amended Act.
• The petition was filed by Reuben Kigame, a former presidential contender, and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC).