The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has strongly denied reports that it has been secretly installing spyware on mobile phones and digital devices belonging to Kenyans.
In a statement issued on Friday, September 12, the agency described the claims as “false, misleading, and sensational.”
It said the reports were aimed at undermining the reputation of the institution and creating unnecessary fear among members of the public.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations wishes to address the misleading allegations of surveillance on mobile phones and other gadgets. We categorically refute these reports as false and intended to misguide the public. Since the matter is now part of ongoing court proceedings, we are unable to discuss the details further at this stage,” read the statement.
The agency went on to assure citizens that it operates strictly within the Constitution and does not carry out activities that compromise the privacy or rights of Kenyans.
“Our mandate is to enforce the law and protect the public. We do not take part in any activity that violates the rights of Kenyans or disregards constitutional principles,” it added.
Allegations by Filmmakers’ Lawyer
The DCI’s response came just days after a Nairobi lawyer, Ian Mutiso, made serious accusations against the agency.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations wishes to address the misleading allegations of surveillance on mobile phones and other gadgets. We categorically refute these reports as false and intended to misguide the public. Since the matter is now part of ongoing court proceedings, we are unable to discuss the details further at this stage,” read the statement.
The agency went on to assure citizens that it operates strictly within the Constitution and does not carry out activities that compromise the privacy or rights of Kenyans.
“Our mandate is to enforce the law and protect the public. We do not take part in any activity that violates the rights of Kenyans or disregards constitutional principles,” it added.
Allegations by Filmmakers’ Lawyer
The DCI’s response came just days after a Nairobi lawyer, Ian Mutiso, made serious accusations against the agency.
Mutiso, who represents four filmmakers facing charges linked to the controversial BBC Blood Parliament documentary, claimed that the investigators secretly planted spyware in his clients’ electronic devices.
According to Mutiso, the filmmakers’ gadgets were seized on May 2, 2025, and later returned on July 10. After the return, he commissioned an independent forensic analysis by experts from Citizen Lab, a research group at the University of Toronto known for investigating global surveillance practices.
The forensic examination allegedly revealed that a software known as FlexiSpy had been installed on the devices while they were under police custody. Mutiso said the analysis showed the spyware was planted on May 21 at around 5:36 pm.
“This discovery raises very serious questions about privacy and constitutional rights under Article 31. My clients’ personal data and communications were compromised while the devices were in the custody of the police,” Mutiso told journalists.
The lawyer also claimed that one of Kenya’s largest telecommunications providers, Safaricom, was giving private data to investigators without any court orders. He noted that this finding had also been filed in court alongside the forensic report.
Privacy Concerns
The allegations have sparked heated debate across the country, with human rights groups and digital privacy advocates warning that unchecked surveillance could set a dangerous precedent.
Some activists have argued that if proven, the spyware issue would represent one of the most serious violations of privacy since the adoption of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.
According to Mutiso, the filmmakers’ gadgets were seized on May 2, 2025, and later returned on July 10. After the return, he commissioned an independent forensic analysis by experts from Citizen Lab, a research group at the University of Toronto known for investigating global surveillance practices.
The forensic examination allegedly revealed that a software known as FlexiSpy had been installed on the devices while they were under police custody. Mutiso said the analysis showed the spyware was planted on May 21 at around 5:36 pm.
“This discovery raises very serious questions about privacy and constitutional rights under Article 31. My clients’ personal data and communications were compromised while the devices were in the custody of the police,” Mutiso told journalists.
The lawyer also claimed that one of Kenya’s largest telecommunications providers, Safaricom, was giving private data to investigators without any court orders. He noted that this finding had also been filed in court alongside the forensic report.
Privacy Concerns
The allegations have sparked heated debate across the country, with human rights groups and digital privacy advocates warning that unchecked surveillance could set a dangerous precedent.
Some activists have argued that if proven, the spyware issue would represent one of the most serious violations of privacy since the adoption of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.
They say that Kenyans must be assured that their phones, laptops, and personal gadgets are safe from state interference unless backed by a lawful court order.
Mutiso insisted that the matter is not just about his clients but also about every Kenyan who values their privacy.
Mutiso insisted that the matter is not just about his clients but also about every Kenyan who values their privacy.
“This case goes beyond my clients. It is about whether citizens can trust the institutions that are supposed to protect them,” he said.
DCI Maintains Its Stand
Despite the storm, the DCI has maintained its firm position that the accusations are baseless. The agency has insisted that it conducts its work in line with the law and that any investigations are guided by due process.
The statement concluded with a call for calm, noting that the courts would address the matter fairly and transparently.
DCI Maintains Its Stand
Despite the storm, the DCI has maintained its firm position that the accusations are baseless. The agency has insisted that it conducts its work in line with the law and that any investigations are guided by due process.
The statement concluded with a call for calm, noting that the courts would address the matter fairly and transparently.
“We remain committed to serving the people of Kenya with integrity, professionalism, and respect for the Constitution,” it said.
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