Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi has announced plans to spearhead a constitutional amendment aimed at tightening regulation of social media platforms in Kenya, citing rising concerns over cyberbullying, pornography, and moral decay among youth.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV’s Daybreak program on Thursday, Elachi decried what she termed as the unchecked “digital rot” festering across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook — with women, children, and grieving families increasingly becoming targets.
“Social media is good, but it was not made for you to send me your manhood and nakedness,” Elachi said. “We cannot wake up every day to sexual content and bullying — we will sort that out by amending the law.”
Women MPs United on Digital Reform
Elachi revealed that women parliamentarians were united in pushing for stricter legal safeguards, especially against online sexual exploitation, unsolicited nudity, and harassment.
“One day we will open our phones and show you the things we see,” she said. “This isn’t freedom of expression — it’s moral collapse.”
A Personal Pain, A National Cause
Elachi spoke emotionally about her personal experience with social media cruelty following the death of her son Elvis in March, revealing that online attacks intensified because of her political stances.
“People kept telling me what was being said online. I stopped reading long ago,” she said. “But we must protect other families from this wrath.”
She also referenced the recent death of Kasipul MP Charles Were, criticizing online speculation and commentary targeting his children.
“He is dead. Why are we discussing his children? It was the saddest thing,” she lamented.
Existing Laws Not Enough
Currently, laws such as the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, the Information and Communications Act, and the Data Protection Act criminalize various forms of digital abuse. However, Elachi argues that enforcement gaps and vague legal definitions have limited their effectiveness.
Moreover, global platforms like X allow certain types of content — including consensual adult material — which may conflict with local sensibilities and laws.
The Limits of Freedom
Elachi emphasized that the freedom of expression must have boundaries and should not infringe on the dignity or privacy of others.
“Freedom must reach somewhere. It doesn’t mean you step on somebody else’s rights,” she said.
Enforcement Challenges
The anonymous nature of social media, coupled with the use of VPNs and fake accounts, has made it difficult for Kenyan authorities to track offenders — a problem Elachi believes requires structural constitutional remedies.
