Zambian security agencies have arrested a 56-year-old Kenyan national over allegations that he was contracted to carry out cybercrimes targeting the state as authorities stepped up security operations ahead of the country’s general election.
The Kenyan is among several suspects arrested during an intelligence-led operation involving Zambia’s defence and security agencies.
The operation was aimed at investigating alleged attempts to interfere with the country’s electoral system and undermine the election process.
Zambia’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security announced the arrest in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 12.
The ministry identified the suspect as a male Kenyan aged 56, but withheld his name.
“In a related development, the State has apprehended a Kenyan national identified as (name withheld), male, aged 56, who is alleged to have been contracted to engage in cyber-crimes targeting the State,” the ministry said.
Authorities did not disclose the specific cyber activities the Kenyan is accused of carrying out or the people who allegedly contracted him.
The ministry said investigations were continuing to establish more details surrounding the case.
The security operation also led to the arrest of three former senior government officials.
The former officials are accused of providing technical services that allegedly sought to disrupt Zambia’s electoral system.
Three other individuals were summoned to assist with investigations after they were allegedly found with more than K7.3 million, an amount estimated at about Ksh50.15 million.
The ministry said investigators had not yet established the source or intended use of the money.
Through their lawyers, the three individuals reportedly indicated that they would only be available to assist investigators after August 14.
Further concerns were raised after security agencies reportedly recovered sensitive military intelligence information from some of the electronic devices seized from the trio.
Authorities said the discovery pointed to possible unauthorised access to protected information.
Zambian security agencies have remained on high alert as the country prepares for Thursday’s elections, in which voters will elect the president, members of Parliament and municipal councillors.
President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term in the election. Authorities have warned that individuals found attempting to compromise national security, interfere with critical systems or undermine the electoral process will face legal action.
The developments come as Kenya’s electoral body, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, continues preparations for the August 10, 2027 General Election.In January this year, the IEBC hosted a delegation from the Electoral Commission of Zambia for a peer learning and benchmarking tour.
The visit provided an opportunity for officials from the two electoral bodies to share experiences on election management and preparations.
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