A top security officer involved in covert operations has revealed disturbing truths about how the Kenyan government is allegedly targeting its critics, activists, and journalists.
According to the officer, powerful surveillance tools like Pegasus are being used to track and abduct individuals who express dissent online or challenge state policies.
Pegasus, developed by Israel’s NSO Group, is considered one of the most advanced spyware systems globally and has been used in over 45 countries, including Kenya. What makes Pegasus extremely dangerous is that it can infect a smartphone without the user clicking on any links.
A missed call or a silent message is enough to compromise a device, turning it into a 24/7 surveillance tool.
Once Pegasus gets into a phone, it can read messages and emails, listen to calls, access the camera and microphone, track real-time location, download files, and even break into encrypted apps like Signal and WhatsApp. This kind of surveillance has reportedly been used as a precursor to abductions.
Many victims are picked up without arrest warrants or any legal process. Phones go dead, and families are left in the dark, often for days or even weeks.
Sources suggest that Safaricom, the country’s largest telecom provider, may have been cooperating with state agents by providing Call Data Records. These records reveal who a person spoke to, their location, and call durations.
The officer bluntly said, “Once we have your number, we don’t need to follow you. Your phone does the tracking for us.”Since June 2024, there have been more than 80 abductions tied to online criticism of the government.
Many of these victims are never seen again or return silenced. The extent of the surveillance network is allegedly backed by a $950,430 (Sh123 million) spyware deal, which was quietly approved and may have been funded from confidential state accounts under the National Treasury.
This kind of spending takes away from essential services like healthcare and education, raising serious ethical and governance questions.
In light of this, it is crucial for anyone expressing strong political opinions or engaging in activism to take extra steps to stay safe.
Use secure messaging apps like Signal that offer better protection than regular SMS or even WhatsApp. Be extremely careful with what you click, as spyware infections often start with links or attachments. For sensitive activities, consider using a burner phone that isn’t connected to your personal identity or routine habits.
Most importantly, always report any unusual behavior or threats to people you trust or digital rights organizations. These precautions won’t guarantee safety but can reduce exposure and help others stay alert.
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