Mokaya’s legal battle comes after he was acquitted of charges related to publishing false information about a funeral procession involving President William Ruto leaving Lee Funeral Home.
While the court cleared him of the fake news allegations, Mokaya argues that his ordeal exposed him to public scrutiny and harassment.
In his petition filed in the High Court, Mokaya alleges that Safaricom failed to safeguard his personal information, which he claims was exploited during the controversy. “I am seeking justice for the infringement of my rights and the mental anguish I endured,” he stated.
The case has drawn attention due to the high-profile nature of the incident and ongoing debates about data privacy in Kenya.
Experts note that Kenya’s Data Protection Act, 2019, obliges companies to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of personal data, with penalties for breaches that compromise individuals’ privacy.
“This case highlights the growing tension between social media narratives, personal privacy, and corporate responsibility,” said a Nairobi-based digital rights advocate.
Safaricom, the country’s largest telecommunications provider, has not yet released an official statement regarding the lawsuit.
Legal analysts predict that the case could set a precedent for how data breaches are addressed in the digital age, particularly when linked to politically sensitive events.
Mokaya’s demand for compensation comes at a time when Kenyans are increasingly aware of the risks of data misuse and the power of online misinformation, making it a landmark case that could influence both corporate practices and public policy.
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