world

Nairobi, Kenya – Kenyan authorities allegedly used sophisticated Israeli technology to infiltrate the phone of prominent pro-democracy activist Boniface Mwangi whereas he was in police custody last year, according to a report released Tuesday by Citizen Lab. The findings raise serious concerns about government surveillance and the potential for abuse of privacy rights in the East African nation.

Mwangi, who has announced his intention to run for president in 2027, noticed irregularities upon receiving his phone back from authorities following his arrest in July 2023. He discovered that one of his devices was no longer password protected, raising immediate alarm about potential data extraction. The Citizen Lab report confirms his suspicions, finding with “high confidence” that Cellebrite technology was used to access his device.

The use of Cellebrite technology, a digital forensics tool manufactured by an Israeli company, could have allowed authorities to extract a comprehensive range of data from Mwangi’s phone, including messages, personal files, financial information and passwords, Citizen Lab stated. This access poses a significant threat to Mwangi’s safety and the security of his contacts, given his outspoken criticism of the government and his role in leading protests.

“Your phone holds the keys to your life, and governments shouldn’t be able to help themselves to the contents just because they don’t like what you are saying,” said John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at Citizen Lab, highlighting the broader implications of the findings. “When Cellebrite sells their technology to a security service with a track record of abuses, journalists, activists, and people speaking their conscience are at risk.”

Activist’s Arrest and Prior Surveillance Concerns

Mwangi’s arrest last July stemmed from charges of unlawful possession of ammunition, allegations he links to his involvement in street protests. Amnesty International at the time characterized the legal action against him as part of a wider effort to suppress dissent and undermine the rule of law. He was released on bond and is scheduled to appear in court again on Wednesday.

The activist stated he was already aware of being under surveillance. “We know that I get spied on all the time. I know that my phone calls are monitored and my messages are read,” Mwangi said in an interview. He believes authorities had already gathered information about him through other sources before his arrest, demonstrating a pattern of monitoring his activities.

Broader Pattern of Surveillance in Kenya

This is not the first instance of alleged digital surveillance targeting journalists and activists in Kenya. Last year, Citizen Lab’s forensic analysis revealed that the FlexiSPY spyware was installed on the phones of Kenyan filmmakers Bryan Adagala and Nicholas Wambugu while in police custody. The filmmakers were being investigated in connection with a BBC documentary that implicated security forces in killings during anti-government protests in 2024, a claim the BBC denied. Citizen Lab’s report on the FlexiSPY spyware details the findings.

The latest report follows a January finding by Citizen Lab that Jordanian authorities appeared to be using Cellebrite technology to extract data from the phones of activists and protesters critical of Israel and supportive of Gaza. Cellebrite responded to that report stating its technology is used to access data “only in accordance with legal due process or with appropriate consent to aid investigations legally after an event has occurred.”

Cellebrite’s Response and Lack of Comment from Kenyan Authorities

In a statement to The Guardian, Cellebrite maintained a “rigorous process for reviewing allegations of technology misuse” and said it takes “decisive action,” including license termination, when credible evidence is presented. “We do not respond to speculation and encourage any organisation with specific, evidence-based concerns to share them with us directly so we can act on them,” the company added.

Kenya’s police spokesperson and the Kenyan embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comment regarding the allegations. This lack of response raises further questions about the government’s involvement and transparency surrounding the use of surveillance technology.

Implications and Future Concerns

The Citizen Lab findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that Cellebrite’s technology is being misused by governments worldwide, including in Myanmar, Botswana, Serbia, and Belarus. Mwangi expressed concern that “non-state actors” are enabling the surveillance of pro-democracy activists, putting their lives at risk. He believes this access allows the government to monitor and potentially target individuals involved in opposition movements.

The incident underscores the urgent need for greater oversight and regulation of the digital forensics industry, as well as increased protections for activists and journalists operating in environments with limited freedom of expression. The ongoing use of surveillance technology raises serious questions about the future of civil liberties and democratic processes in Kenya.

As Mwangi prepares for a potential presidential run in 2027, the implications of this alleged surveillance are likely to become a central issue in the political landscape. Further investigation and accountability are needed to ensure that the rights of activists and citizens are protected from unwarranted intrusion.

What are your thoughts on the use of surveillance technology by governments? Share your opinions in the comments below, and please share this article with your network.

More than 100 people were killed during and after the U.S. Military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, according to Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. The claim, made late Wednesday, alleges significant civilian casualties stemming from the operation.

“So far, and I say so far, You’ll see 100 dead, 100,” Cabello stated. He further claimed that civilians, including women in their homes, were killed as a result of “the impact of the powerful bombs launched against our country.”

The assertion of civilian deaths contrasts with statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously said no U.S. Service members were killed, though some sustained injuries when a helicopter was struck during the operation. Seven U.S. Troops were injured in the operation, according to the Pentagon.

The Cuban government has similarly acknowledged casualties, announcing Sunday that 32 of its citizens were killed “in combat actions” while performing missions on behalf of the Cuban Armed Forces and interior ministry. It remains unclear whether these deaths are included in Cabello’s reported total of 100.

Diosdado Cabello, who was appointed Minister of the Interior and Vice President for Citizen Security by Maduro in August 2024, has emerged as a central figure in the wake of Maduro’s capture. Following the U.S. Operation, Cabello appeared in Caracas wearing a helmet and flak jacket, condemning the action as a “cowardly attack” and calling for the defense of Venezuelan sovereignty. He also warned opponents of consequences for doubting the “Bolivarian revolution.”

Cabello’s role has been described by some analysts as effectively making him the most powerful person in Venezuela, despite the formal transfer of presidential authority to interim President Delcy Rodríguez. He has been previously accused of cracking down on dissent and critical media coverage, including by a United Nations human rights mission in 2024.

The capture of Maduro by U.S. Special forces has not yet resulted in a significant democratic opening in Venezuela, despite initial hopes for such a transition. Cabello’s continued presence in power, as Interior Minister, underscores the ongoing influence of Maduro’s inner circle. His armed colectivos, described as paramilitary enforcers, continue to operate in poor neighborhoods, suppressing dissent and controlling the distribution of state goods.

The U.S. Operation and its aftermath have occurred amid a period of internal fracture within the Chavista regime, stemming from sustained U.S. Sanctions. These sanctions have reshaped the power dynamics within Venezuela, forcing leaders to seek new international alliances under conditions of mistrust. The arrest of Pedro Tellechea, former president of PDVSA and an ally of Delcy Rodríguez, in 2024, marked a significant move by Cabello to consolidate control over state resources.

Dubai-based Emirates airline is bolstering its presence in the Chinese market through a new interline partnership with Zhejiang Loong Air Co., Ltd., commonly known as Loong Air. The agreement, announced on February 13, 2026, aims to enhance connectivity for both leisure and business travelers by providing access to a wider range of destinations within mainland China. This expansion underscores the growing importance of the Chinese market for Emirates and its commitment to serving the Asia-Pacific region.

Effective immediately, Emirates customers can leverage Loong Air’s network to reach 22 additional cities across China, connecting through the hubs in Hangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. The partnership will facilitate access to key domestic gateways including Zhengzhou, Changchun, Haikou, Xiangyang, and Dazhou, offering travelers more convenient options for reaching destinations beyond Emirates’ existing five mainland Chinese hubs. This move is part of a broader trend of airlines seeking to expand their reach through strategic partnerships in the rapidly growing Chinese aviation market.

Seamless Travel Experience for Passengers

A key benefit of the interline agreement is the ability for passengers to book multi-airline itineraries on a single ticket, simplifying the travel process. According to Emirates, this will include consistent fare conditions and a seamless baggage policy throughout the entire journey. This streamlined approach aims to reduce the complexities often associated with connecting flights operated by different airlines, enhancing the overall passenger experience. Passengers can book these itineraries via www.emirates.com, Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), and through major Global Distribution Systems (GDS) via travel agents.

Emirates has been steadily increasing its investment in the Chinese market. The airline first launched services to mainland China in 2004 and currently operates 49 weekly flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou. In 2025, Emirates added Shenzhen and Hangzhou to its network, and also introduced its award-winning Premium Economy class on these routes, alongside the deployment of its iconic A380 aircraft on flights to Shanghai. These enhancements demonstrate Emirates’ dedication to providing a premium travel experience for its Chinese customers.

Expanding Reach Through Strategic Partnerships

Loong Air is now the fourth Chinese airline to partner with Emirates, joining Air China, China Southern Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines. Combined, these partnerships extend Emirates’ reach to over 110 destinations beyond its own network within China, significantly increasing its footprint in the region. Aerotime Aero reports that this expanded connectivity will be particularly beneficial for both leisure and business travelers seeking access to key domestic hubs.

Elsewhere in Asia, Emirates is also increasing capacity to Japan. Starting May 1, 2026, the airline will add a second daily service to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT), bringing its total weekly frequencies to 28 flights. Business and First Class passengers traveling to Narita will also benefit from complimentary chauffeur service, a perk that will be extended to Kansai International Airport (KIX) from March 1, 2026.

Looking Ahead

The partnership with Loong Air represents a strategic move by Emirates to capitalize on the growing demand for travel to and within China. As the Chinese economy continues to expand and international travel resumes, Emirates is well-positioned to benefit from increased connectivity and passenger traffic. The airline’s ongoing investments in its Chinese network, coupled with its strategic partnerships, demonstrate its long-term commitment to the region. The next step will be observing the utilization rates of these new connections and assessing potential for further expansion of the interline agreement with Loong Air.

What are your thoughts on Emirates’ expansion in China? Share your comments below and let us know how this new partnership might impact your travel plans.