President Ruto Dismisses Claims of Secret Bill Signing, Says He Was Simply Doing His Job

By Robai Ludenyi

President William Ruto has moved to calm down critics who accused him of secretly signing several bills into law just moments before he announced the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Speaking during the burial of Mzee Weston Kirocho Kanja, the father of Inspector General Douglas Kanja, in Thome, Laikipia County, the President made it clear that nothing was done in secret. He explained that all eight bills had followed the right parliamentary process, and his signature was simply the final step required by the law.

Ruto said he had completed the signing earlier in the day before the sad news about Raila Odinga’s passing reached him. He noted that he was in his office performing his normal duties as the head of state, just like any other Kenyan carrying out their daily work. According to him, there was no mystery or wrongdoing, only the normal running of government business.

The President also spoke about the purpose of some of the new laws, saying they are meant to restore order in the online space and protect young people from harmful internet activities. He said Kenya has seen a growing wave of online abuse, false information, and content that promotes immorality and religious extremism. The government, he added, must act to make the internet safe while still respecting freedom of expression.

On October 15, 2025, President Ruto signed eight bills into law. These include the National Land Commission Amendment Bill 2023, the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Amendment Bill 2024, the Privatization Bill 2025, the Wildlife Conservation and Management Amendment Bill 2023, the Land Amendment Bill 2022, the Air Passenger Service Charge Amendment Bill 2025, the National Police Service Commission Amendment Bill 2024, and the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill 2025.

However, the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes law has caused a heated public debate, with critics warning that it could limit free speech. The most disputed part is Section 27, which sets a fine of up to 20 million shillings or a jail term of up to ten years for cyber harassment. After a petition by the Kenya Human Rights Commission and former presidential aspirant Reuben Kigame, the High Court temporarily suspended this section until the case is fully heard and decided.

Read Also: Signed In The Shadow Of Grief: Eight Laws That Shrink Our Rights—And Why We Must Force Parliament to Undo Them

The author is Robai Ludenyi. Journalist and Media Innovator