Kalonzo: State to blame for phone spying, abductions

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has alleged that the government carries the biggest responsibility for criminal activities being carried out by security agencies.

Addressing a press conference in Nairobi, Kalonzo said the Kenya Kwanza government should be blamed for the return of “police state.”

“It is our contention that the government carries the biggest responsibility for police phone spying, state-sponsored abductions, hijackings, and extrajudicial killings,” he said.

He said it is disheartening that the government claims that it is not aware of any such incidents.

“They further say that these abductions and extrajudicial killings are fake news and propaganda that is hurting our nation,” he added.

He said reverting Kenya to a police state is hurting the nation.

He added that the leaders alleged to be involved in the abductions should resign for violating their Oath of Office “to be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Republic of Kenya."

On October 29, United States Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman expressed concern over allegations that Kenyan authorities are tracking citizens through their mobile phones, leading to abductions or unlawful arrests.

Whitman emphasised the need for privacy and democratic values to be upheld in Kenya, stating that the rule of law and the rights of citizens must be respected.

“I don’t know enough about this issue yet, but what I will say is the laws of privacy and the rule of law around your rights as a private citizen must always be respected in democracies,” she said.

She added that the allegations should be taken seriously, as privacy is a fundamental right in any democracy.

Whitman acknowledged that the situation requires further investigation and stressed the importance of holding governments accountable to safeguard individual freedoms.

The allegations have sparked public outcry with reports suggesting that the location data from citizens’ mobile phones is being used to track individuals and, in some cases, abduct them or place them under arrest.