The amendment Bills assented to last week are measures meant to protect the nation from illegal actions that undermine the wellbeing of the people and the security of the country, President William Ruto has said.
The President warned Kenyans to be cautious of those who want to use misinformation and disinformation to destabilise the country, citing misleading reports about the recent Bills he signed into law.
He said the laws are meant to address religious extremism that lead to death and suffering like what was witnessed at Shakahola in Kilifi County, protect social media users from bullying to the point of committing suicide, and tame those using the Internet to advance terrorist activities, among other issues.
“We are doing the right thing for Kenya,” President Ruto emphasised.
The President made the remarks during the funeral service of Mzee Weston Kirocho, the father of Inspector-General Douglas Kanja at Thome village, Laikipia County.
Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen and Rebecca Miano, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu were among the leaders who attended the service.
The President said he assented to the Bills in line with his constitutional mandate, having gone through the right channels in Parliament.
President Ruto also dismissed claims that he used the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to sign the Bills, saying the signing ceremony had already been planned in addition to a tour that was eventually cancelled.
“There is nothing to hide; nothing was done in the dark,” he said.
On the necessity of peace and national unity, President Ruto cautioned leaders against inciting Kenyans, saying Kenya will not be built through violence, hatred, division or tribalism.
“Let us compete on development plans to uplift Kenya, not on how to destroy our country,” he said.
The President said the government has created numerous opportunities for young people to contribute to development.
He explained that the government had initiated many deliberate job creation policies and programmes, citing the Affordable Housing Programme, construction of fresh produce markets and student hostels, labour mobility and digital jobs.
Additionally, he said the government is rolling out the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) to boost youth businesses.
The President said the business support programme will identify 100,000 young people who will be provided with a KSh50,000 grant.
He called on the youth to take advantage of these opportunities to advance their businesses and livelihoods.
On efforts to transform Kenya and take it from the Third World to first-world status, President Ruto said the government is establishing a National Infrastructure Fund that will help ensure sustainable financing of roads, ports and rail in the country.
On agriculture, the President said the government will pool public and private resources to build 50 mega dams to boost irrigation farming.
He noted that agricultural reforms, including subsidised fertiliser, have played a significant role in increasing food production and productivity.
However, he noted that food production is still not enough.
“We are still importing food into Kenya,” he added.
The President appealed to Kenyans to register with the Social Health Authority so that they benefit from the transformative scheme that seeks to deliver universal health coverage.
On security, President Ruto said the government has firmly dealt with bandits and criminals that had destabilised Laikipia in the past. He said the government’s goal is to ensure the county remains secure and peaceful.
Mr Ichung’wah said there is need to address the culture of misinformation and disinformation in the country.
The National Assembly Majority Leader pointed out that claims that the Land (Amendment) Act assented to by President Ruto last week seeks to levy tax on freehold land are false and misleading.
“There is no law levying taxes on freehold land. What is circulating on social media is fake news,” he said.
He also pointed out that the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act is not a new law, saying it was assented to by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2018.
Mr Ichung’wah said the misinformation about the law is so elaborate that it has misled a judge to suspend provisions of a fake bill spread on social media.
Mr Murkomen, the Interior Cabinet Secretary, urged leaders to exercise caution in their public remarks, warning that reckless statements can destroy the country.
Governor Irungu thanked the government for addressing security challenges in the county.
