NAIROBI, Kenya – A prominent human rights organization has expressed serious concerns over the potential surveillance of activists and protesters, emphasizing the urgent need for privacy protection in an increasingly digital age.
The Defenders Coalition, in collaboration with digital safety experts, has highlighted the risks posed by state agents’ access to personal data.
This data can include location tracking, social interactions through phone communications, and internet usage patterns, all of which can aid law enforcement in targeting individuals.
Experts are warning protesters to avoid exposing themselves to digital stalking and cyberbullying.
Concerns have been raised that telecommunications companies may be sharing private phone data and location information with security agencies, allowing them to track individuals’ movements and residences.
Kamau Ngugi, executive director of the Defenders Coalition, pointed out that law enforcement has been allegedly using this data to tail key figures in recent protests.
Ngugi referenced the tragic case of Denzel Omondi, a Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) student whose body was found floating in a Juja dam.
Omondi was among the protesters who accessed Parliament and recorded himself on video during the demonstration. A postmortem revealed he suffered blunt force trauma to the back of his head.
“The police are allegedly tracking down those who protested in Parliament one by one,” Ngugi stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
He emphasized the importance of digital safety for protesters to avoid falling into traps that expose them to danger.
A past survey by the Defenders Coalition indicated that hacking and scamming are the top methods of breaching privacy.
Intelligence agencies, telecommunications companies, and internet service providers have been implicated as potential conduits for illegal access to private information.
Data security expert Kariuki Nyonge advised protesters to take deliberate steps to protect their privacy and safety.
Some recommended measures include creating strong passwords, safeguarding personal data, and avoiding the sharing of crucial details, such as frequent locations.
“It is true that government agencies can access your private details, but you have to be responsible for keeping your digital footprint as safe and discreet as possible,” Nyonge said.
“When attending protests, inform others of your whereabouts, and if possible, keep your locality live by taking photos. This can help people track your actions and ensure your safety.”
