NEW REPORT REVEALS SURGE IN ARRESTS, ABDUCTIONS AND DEATHS OF KENYAN BLOGGERS 

A new report titled Devolved Impunity: The Safety and Security of Bloggers in Kenya (2019 – 2024) reveals a disturbing rise in deaths, abductions, and arrests of bloggers and activists in Kenya in 2024. 

Produced by Paradigm Initiative, the Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE), and Article 19 Eastern Africa, the report maps violations over the past five years and highlights the precarious state of digital rights and freedom of expression in the country.

The report adds that bloggers face escalating risks, including harassment, surveillance, arbitrary arrests, and cyber threats, despite constitutional guarantees of free expression. Legal, political, and technological challenges continue to undermine the safety and security of online voices, with laws like the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act being weaponised to suppress dissent.

During the report’s launch, Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, warned of governments legalising illegal activities, such as mass surveillance, under the guise of combating terrorism and cybercrime. “Mass surveillance should be illegal without legal frameworks to guide and make sure nothing goes wrong. But many governments are beginning to use existing laws around terrorism, and cybercrime, to then make legal what should not be legal and that is a challenge because what that does is that in many countries where some of your colleagues work we have had scenarios where governments have invested in spyware to monitor journalists and impede the work that they do,” he said.

James Wamathai, Partnerships and Advocacy Manager at BAKE said there is need for collective action “We are asking to be protected. The same human rights should be protected and preserved online. If one class of society is not safe, no one is safe. The safety and security of bloggers is something everyone should care about.”

Demas Kiprono, Deputy Director of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Kenya Chapter, noted the shift of democratic engagement to online spaces, which has brought new risks. “This is a trend that has been happening and what we see is a need to safeguard the place, review laws, sensitise Kenyans on their rights. As civil society, we will continue to push for these reforms through litigation and advocacy to ensure democratic space is protected. There needs to be an understanding these rights enable a person to have their dignity. When you speak about what is happening to you and government programme’s that don’t work, you should not be victimised,” he added.

Angela Minayo, Programmes Officer at Article 19 Eastern Africa, raised concerns about the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, particularly its problematic sections and the investigative powers granted to government agencies. “We have seen a shift in the respect for human rights, and intolerance to criticisms and this has found its way to the county governments.” she urged.

The report calls for collaboration among civil society, media organisations, and policymakers to foster a safer online environment. It stresses the importance of upholding Kenya’s commitment to freedom of expression and digital rights in an increasingly hostile digital landscape.