The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has dismissed claims published in a local daily that it is secretly monitoring Kenyans’ mobile phones and digital devices through spy software.
In a statement issued on September 12, 2025, the agency described the report as misleading and aimed at tarnishing its image.
“We categorically refute these claims as false and sensational, aimed at misguiding the public and undermining the integrity of the DCI,” the statement read in part.
The agency did not address the details of the accusations, saying the issue was already before the courts.
It stressed that all its operations are lawful and that it respects constitutional rights, including the right to privacy.
“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 statement said.
The article alleged that the DCI has been conducting surveillance on citizens without legal authorization, raising concerns among sections of the public.
The agency urged Kenyans to allow the legal process to proceed instead of rushing to conclusions.
Questions over unlawful surveillance by security agencies are not new.
In June 2025, Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja testified in court that they obtained data from the Communications Authority to track blogger Albert Ojwang’, who later died in police custody.
More recently, internet watchdog Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto found that FlexiSPY spyware had been installed on two phones belonging to BBC filmmakers while the devices were held by police.
The filmmakers had been accused of involvement in producing Blood Parliament, a BBC documentary that linked Kenyan security forces to the June 2024 killings of protesters.
