Global coverage at a glance: breaking international headlines, geopolitical insights, regional developments, and on‑the‑ground reports from every continent.
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.
