MOMBASA, Kenya- The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has charged a university student accused of hacking into a journalist’s WhatsApp account, in a case that underscores rising concerns over cybercrime in the country.
The suspect, Cyrus Kibet Rono, was arraigned before Mombasa Resident Magistrate Green Odera, where he denied multiple charges brought under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
Multiple cybercrime charges
Prosecutors told the court that Rono unlawfully accessed the journalist’s WhatsApp account, contrary to Section 14(1) of the Act. He also faces a charge of access with intent to commit a further offence under Section 15, with the prosecution alleging he intended to steal using the compromised account.
Additionally, he was charged with identity theft and impersonation under Section 29, accused of using the journalist’s identity to defraud unsuspecting contacts.
The court heard that on April 14, 2026, the accused was found in possession of 39 Safaricom SIM card passwords, believed to have been fraudulently acquired and linked to theft-related activities.
DPP opposes bail
Principal Prosecution Counsel Purity Musembi opposed the suspect’s release on bond, citing ongoing investigations and the risk of interference with evidence.
Investigators told the court that forensic analysis is being conducted on seized electronic devices and that the accused may be linked to other similar cybercrime offences.
Magistrate Odera ordered that Rono be remanded at the Urban Police Station pending a ruling on his bond application.
The case highlights the growing sophistication of cybercrime in Kenya, particularly involving social media and messaging platforms, as authorities intensify efforts to clamp down on digital fraud.
