'False, Sensational': DCI refutes claims of using spy software to track phones

In the article published on Friday, September 12, the newspaper uncovered a report detailing how the DCI installed FlexiSpy - a commercially available spyware - on the mobile phones of the makers of the BBC Africa documentary "Blood Parliament" shortly after their arrest. 

The report by Citizen Lab, a Canadian internet watchdog, raised concerns about privacy violations by Kenya's security agencies through illegal surveillance. 

In response, the DCI refuted the claims, terming them as 'false' and 'sensational' reports aimed at misinforming the public. 

The police unit, however, declined to disclose details about the allegations, citing that the matter is still active in court. 

"We want to assure the members of the public that the DCI operates strictly within the confines of the law. Our commitment to upholding the rights and privacy of all Kenyans is unwavering, and we do not engage in any activities that compromise these constitutional principles," the DCI said. 

In recent months, Kenya's security agencies have been under scrutiny for using illegal surveillance to track down government critics. 

In June 2025, Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja revealed in court how they accessed customer data from the Communications Authority to track down blogger Albert Ojwang' who later died in police custody. 

At the height of the protests, reports also indicated that DCI used IT experts to track down suspects believed to be fuelling the anti-government demonstrations. 

Further, a Canadian-based software developer Mary Maina filed a case against the Kenyan government seeking over Ksh.290 million in compensation for botching the contract terms of a surveillance system meant to spy on online activities. 

Despite the reports, the government has been adamant about the measures it has employed to control abuse of the online space, citing that it operates within the law.