Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has responded to claims that the Judiciary has become the primary target of cyberbullying, asserting that this practice has escalated into a nationwide issue affecting everyone, including the President.
Speaking during the Jukwaa la Usalama Forum in Nyandarua County on Wednesday, Murkomen addressed remarks made by Chief Justice Martha Koome, who expressed concern over cyberattacks aimed at judicial officers. She stated that such harassment not only undermines the dignity of judges but also threatens judicial independence and the delivery of justice.
“Over the last one year, we have witnessed a worrying and ugly trend of increased cyberbullying, targeted harassment, and orchestrated online campaigns against judges and judicial officers,” Koome lamented.
However, Murkomen maintained that no one in Kenya is spared from bullying, stressing that political leaders often face even harsher treatment online.
“There is no one in this country being bullied more than the President. Even we politicians are bullied every single day. So, while I sympathize with the Judiciary, it should be clear that bullying is a problem for all of us,” he stated.
The CS lamented that bullying has been normalised in Kenya, with leaders, law enforcement officers, and even children subjected to insults, false allegations, and harassment on social media.
“On social media, you find a young girl being insulted, police officers threatened, and leaders humiliated daily. Sometimes people even drag innocent families into it, making claims like someone’s child is not theirs. Do those posting ever consider how such words impact families when they return home in the evening?” Murkomen questioned.
He accused parts of the Judiciary of double standards, stating that while judges complain of harassment, they often dismiss cases brought forward by politicians, the Executive, and law enforcement officers who also suffer online attacks.
“Every time we charge someone for insulting leaders or spreading false allegations, police officers are vilified in court as if we are attacking freedoms,” Murkomen argued. “The only problem is that the Judiciary has normalized the bullying of members of the Executive and the Legislature. Now, when it catches up with you, that is when you feel the pain.”
While acknowledging the Chief Justice’s concerns, the Interior CS insisted that Kenya must engage in a serious national conversation about bullying, which he described as both a crime and a growing threat to mental health, family unity, and social stability.
“I am glad the Chief Justice is talking about bullying. Bullying hurts all of us,” he remarked.
Murkomen urged that all arms of government must confront the reality of increasing online hostility.
