As Kenyans mourned the passing of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, President William Ruto quietly assented to eight major bills at State House, Nairobi, a sweeping legislative move that has sparked questions about timing, transparency, and power.
In a statement shared on his official X account, the President said the new laws would “reinforce our collective commitment to address historical injustices, entrench equity and transparency, and accelerate our national development agenda.”
Among the eight bills signed into law were:
- The National Land Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023
- Land (Amendment) Bill, 2024
- Wildlife (Amendment) Bill, 2023
- Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2024
- National Police Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024
- Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment) Bill, 2025
- Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, 2025
- Privatisation Bill, 2025
While the presidency framed the assents as a move toward efficiency and reform, civil society and policy analysts have raised concerns that several of the new laws could expand state power and limit civic freedoms.
The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2024, for instance, grants broader authority to government agencies to access and restrict online accounts suspected of spreading misinformation or cyber threats. Critics fear this could be used to silence dissenting voices or journalists under the guise of cybersecurity.
The Privatisation Bill, 2025, another key law, enables the government to sell state-owned enterprises without requiring fresh parliamentary approval, a move many economists say weakens public oversight and could open the door to politically driven asset sales.
The Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, 2025, passed earlier in the week, makes Kenya the first African nation with a comprehensive law regulating cryptocurrencies and digital assets. While it boosts investor confidence and positions Kenya as a fintech hub, global experts have warned that dollar-based stablecoins, often linked to the U.S. dollar, could undermine weaker currencies like the Kenyan shilling if not closely monitored.
Meanwhile, amendments to the Land and National Land Commission Acts have raised eyebrows among land rights advocates who argue they shift decision-making powers toward central authorities. The Wildlife (Amendment) Bill also introduces new penalties and control measures over conservation areas, which could impact communities living near protected lands.
Observers note that the timing, signing eight Bills in one day as the country focused on Odinga’s death, has amplified public suspicion.
“It’s not the content alone but the coordination that’s concerning,” said a Nairobi-based governance analyst.
“Major legal changes deserve daylight, not silence.”
President Ruto’s administration has defended the move, calling it part of a broader reform agenda aimed at modernizing Kenya’s economy, strengthening institutions, and boosting investor confidence.
Still, the symbolism has not gone unnoticed. As one political observer wrote on X, “While Kenyans were mourning a man who fought for democracy, the state was quietly reshaping it.”
