A recently published report highlights a troubling rise in violence against bloggers and activists in Kenya, including deaths, abductions, and arrests, throughout 2024.
Titled Devolved Impunity: The Safety and Security of Bloggers in Kenya (2019 – 2024), the study is a collaborative effort by Paradigm Initiative, the Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE), and Article 19 Eastern Africa, which documents violations over the past five years.
The findings underscore the precarious situation faced by bloggers in Kenya, where legal, political, and technological threats continue to impede their safety and freedom of expression.
Despite advancements in legal frameworks intended to protect free speech, the report reveals an alarming trend of harassment, surveillance, arbitrary arrests, and cyber threats targeting content creators.
During the report’s launch, Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, criticized the trend of governments normalizing illegal activities through overreach.
“Mass surveillance should be illegal without legal frameworks to protect individuals. However, many governments are leveraging laws related to terrorism and cybercrime to legitimize actions that infringe on press freedom,” Sesan stated. He highlighted the concerning use of spyware to monitor journalists.
James Wamathai, Partnerships and Advocacy Manager at BAKE, emphasized the importance of protecting human rights online, stating, “The safety and security of bloggers is crucial; if one segment of society is unsafe, then no one is truly safe.”
Demas Kiprono, Deputy Director of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) in Kenya, noted that as democratic discourse increasingly shifts online, so too do the risks that come with it.
“We see a pressing need for legal review and public awareness of rights to safeguard the digital space,” he remarked. He reiterated the role of civil society in advocating for reforms necessary to protect democratic engagement.
Angela Minayo, a Programmes Officer with Article 19 Eastern Africa, pointed out the negative shift in the respect for human rights within Kenya, particularly among county governments. She raised concerns regarding the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, citing troubling provisions that may infringe on press freedoms.
“The act grants significant powers to government agencies, and we need to remain vigilant about its implications,” Minayo warned.
The report’s analysis indicates that the enforcement of laws like the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act poses significant threats to online speech, which discourages critical discourse and press freedom.
The documented use of arrests and digital surveillance reflects a disturbing pattern of suppression against those who challenge authority.
Despite constitutional protections for free expression and favorable court rulings, the report reveals that bloggers remain vulnerable to arbitrary enforcement of restrictive laws and extralegal threats.
It calls for enhanced collaboration among civil society, media organizations, and policymakers to create a safer online environment, asserting that these efforts are vital for upholding Kenya’s commitment to freedom of expression and digital rights in an ever-evolving online landscape.
