Nairobi, Kenya, October 29- Safaricom, Kenya’s leading telecommunications provider, is involved in a significant controversy, accused of facilitating surveillance operations linked to kidnappings and extrajudicial killings.
Investigations by the Daily Nation have revealed troubling claims that Safaricom has been providing security agencies with direct, real-time access to customer data without following legal protocols.
Kenyans have sparked ridicule towards the company using the hashtag #BoycottSafaricom, reflecting widespread public outrage.
These allegations suggest that such access has enabled security forces to track individuals, particularly following the recent protests led by Gen Z activists, resulting in abductions and even killings. There are also serious concerns that Safaricom has tampered with call data records (CDRs) used in court cases, potentially hindering justice in cases of disappearances and violence.
The partnership with Neural Technologies, a British firm, has further complicated matters, as it reportedly allows security agencies to easily access sensitive customer information embedded within Safaricom’s systems. This revelation has raised alarm over privacy rights in Kenya, with critics arguing that Safaricom’s actions contribute to a culture of fear and constant surveillance, severely limiting individual freedoms.
As the controversy unfolds, questions about Safaricom’s potential complicity in human rights violations and the adequacy of safeguards to protect customer data are pressing. A thorough investigation is crucial to address these serious concerns and restore public trust.
