Rights agency faults ODPP for withdrawing high-profile hate cases

Kenya National Commission on Human Rights(KNCHR) CEO Bernard Mogesa and Commission on Administrative Justice(Office of the Ombudsman) CEO Mercy Wambua holds a copy of the advisory during the launch of Advisories on the situation of Human Rights Defenders in Kenya(2020-2024) in Nairobi on September 30, 2025.[Boniface Okendo/Standard]

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has faulted the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) for withdrawing some high-profile cases on hate speech and incitement.

Appearing before the Senate National Cohesion, Equal opportunity and Regional Integration Committee, the State agency further warned that the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, enacted last month, risks criminalising legitimate online speech due to its broad provisions.