In fiery statement that has quickly gone viral, Nairobi MP Beatrice Elachi has condemned what she describes as the misuse of social media by Kenyans—particularly the growing trend of sending explicit images online.
“Social media is good, but it was not meant for Kenyans to send us their nakedness, because that is what they are doing to us,” Elachi declared during a public forum.
“It was meant to advance yourself in the correct way… We will amend the law.”
Her remarks have sparked a national conversation around digital behavior, online privacy, and the limits of free expression on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
Elachi revealed that lawmakers are already exploring potential legislative reforms to tighten restrictions on online content sharing.
While some Kenyans supported her call for moral responsibility in the digital space, others accused the MP of missing the bigger picture.
Critics argue that the government should be focusing on youth unemployment, internet access, and online safety rather than policing personal expression.
“People are struggling to eat and you’re worried about nudes?” one user commented online. “Where are the laws protecting us from cyberbullying and fraud?”
Supporters, however, said Elachi was addressing a growing concern. “There’s too much indecency online. It’s time we had digital discipline,” said a parent interviewed on local radio.
Digital rights groups have warned that any legal reforms must be carefully crafted to avoid infringing on privacy and freedom of expression.
The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) has called for public participation before any changes are made.
Whether Elachi’s proposed law materializes or not, one thing is clear: Kenya’s digital culture is under the spotlight, and the debate over online morality versus personal freedom is only just beginning.
By Nairobi