Morara warns against shutting down internet, claims it is key outlet for youth’s anger
Youth activist and Inject Party leader Morara Kebaso has warned the government against shutting down social media, saying it is the only outlet left for frustrated young people to express their anger and earn a living.
In a video posted on his X account on Sunday, May 11, 2025, Morara argued that social media is not just a platform for communication but also a lifeline for many youth who are struggling to survive in a tough economy.
He described the internet as the only exit for young people’s frustration. He warned that closing social media would leave the youth without a safe way to express their anger, which could lead to chaos across the country.
“The internet is the only exit the young people have for their anger and frustration, and to earn a living. Do not touch it,” he said.
Adding;
“Because if they touch the internet, if they close social media as they think they should, this anger will not have an exit. The kind of war that is coming to Kenya will not spare anyone.”
Morara also acknowledged the pain and emotion many young people are experiencing, saying the frustration should be allowed to play out as part of a larger process toward transformation.
“The youth are angry and frustrated at everyone and everything. Let them express themselves. It’s painful, but it is part of the process towards transformation. When the dust settles, we will look at each other and ask, ‘Now what do we do?’ At that point, we will find a solution,” he said.
His remarks come amid rising tension between the government and sections of the public over the use of social media.
Social media regulation
In January 2025, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen warned social media users whom he accused of spreading hate and misinformation. He declared that the government would not tolerate online misconduct, stressing that the law provides enough tools to deal with offenders.
“We will not tolerate this any longer. The country must operate under law and order,” Murkomen said during the funeral of Ian Singoei in Chepalungu, Bomet.
He also assured Kenyans that his actions would be free of political influence and based purely on upholding the law.
The CS condemned the circulation of harmful content, particularly targeting respected figures like judges, religious leaders, and politicians. He emphasised the need to handle such cases in court.
“Nobody can intimidate us. I don’t engage in politics anymore – what matters is the rule of law, and so from now henceforth, you are going to see apolitical Murkomen,” he stated.
Adding;
“Let us take you to court, so that the judge can decide whether it is acceptable to post pictures of judges, church and political leaders, or children in coffins and spread in such a manner as they have been doing,” Murkomen added. “We are not in the business of abductions but of arresting and charging those who break the law.”
In a past address, ICT CS William Kabogo also stirred controversy when he said that the government could shut down social media in case of a national security threat. He referred to the Rwandan genocide as an example of how media can be misused to incite violence.
“The capacity is there in case we have a case of national security. For example, we know what happened in Rwanda when the radios were used for genocide purposes. If that happens, we will switch them off,” Kabogo said on January 28.
However, Kabogo was quick to add that the government had no immediate plans to shut down social media, despite recent misuse of the platforms. He called on Kenyans to use the internet responsibly and respect one another.
“We have said that there is a need to create a good environment with the use of social media. I said this the other day, we are not planning to switch on anything. It is not in our minds,” he said.
