The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has firmly denied claims that it uses surveillance software to monitor mobile phones and digital devices. The rebuttal follows a Friday report by the Daily Nation, which cited findings from Citizen Lab, a Canadian internet watchdog. According to the report, the DCI allegedly installed FlexiSpy, a commercially available spyware, on the phones of BBC Africa documentary makers behind Blood Parliament after their arrest.
Citizen Lab’s report raised concerns over privacy violations by Kenya’s security agencies. However, the DCI dismissed the allegations, calling them “false” and “sensational,” and accused the media of misinforming the public. The agency declined to provide details, saying the matter is still before the courts.
“We want to assure the members of the public that the DCI operates strictly within the confines of the law. Our commitment to upholding the rights and privacy of all Kenyans is unwavering, and we do not engage in any activities that compromise these constitutional principles,” the DCI said in its statement.
Why are Kenya’s security agencies under scrutiny?
In recent years, security agencies have been accused of overstepping legal boundaries in their surveillance practices. In June 2025, Inspector General Douglas Kanja revealed in court that police accessed customer data from the Communications Authority to track blogger Albert Ojwang’, who later died in custody.
During nationwide protests, reports also surfaced that the DCI used IT experts to identify and track suspects accused of fueling demonstrations. These incidents have fueled public concern over digital privacy and accountability.
What legal challenges has the government faced over surveillance?
Beyond the controversy surrounding spyware, Canadian-based software developer Mary Maina has filed a lawsuit against the Kenyan government. She is seeking more than Ksh 290 million in compensation for what she claims was a botched surveillance contract aimed at monitoring online activities.
Despite ongoing criticism, the government continues to insist that all measures taken to regulate online spaces are lawful. The debate over surveillance in Kenya highlights the growing tension between national security measures and citizens’ right to privacy.
By Yockshard Enyendi
