“Be Responsible Online”: Embu Catholic Church Backs Cybercrime Act to Reinforce Morality

The Catholic Church in Embu has expressed strong support for the newly enacted Cybercrime Act, saying it will help promote moral conduct and responsible behavior online. Church leaders argue that the law is essential to curb harmful content, hate speech and divisive posts that have increasingly disrupted communities across the country.

During a Thanksgiving Mass at Embu College, Embu Catholic Bishop Peter Kimani applauded the government for taking action to regulate the digital space. He observed that social media misuse has eroded ethical values and encouraged disrespectful communication. The bishop emphasized that freedom of expression should not justify harming others or spreading false information.

“Some individuals post content that damages reputations, spreads hate and divides communities. The Cybercrime Act must be applied responsibly,” Bishop Kimani said. He urged citizens, especially the youth, to uphold truth, responsibility and kindness in all digital interactions.

Bishop Kimani also highlighted the importance of extending moral principles from offline to online life. “The internet is now part of everyday life. How we act online reflects our character. We must communicate responsibly and with respect,” he said. He called on the government and communication authorities to enforce the law fairly. Constructive criticism, honest debate and public discussion should not be stifled under the guise of regulation.

The Church’s endorsement comes amid growing concern over the impact of online behavior on society. Religious leaders argue that promoting ethical standards in digital spaces is vital for fostering harmony, accountability and respect. They believe that when combined with public education, the law can help create a safer and more responsible online environment.

Bishop Kimani urged all citizens to embrace digital responsibility, reminding them that online freedom comes with moral obligations. He stressed that every post, comment, and interaction should reflect honesty, respect, and integrity. With the Cybercrime Act now in force, the Church believes it can guide users toward ethical conduct while protecting communities from online abuse and misinformation.

The message is clear: social media can be a tool for good but it requires responsibility, morality and respect. The Church hopes the law will encourage citizens to act wisely and uphold moral standards in all online engagements.