Kenyan authorities used Israeli technology to access activist's phone, report claims
Boniface Mwangi, a prominent Kenyan pro-democracy activist planning to run for president in 2027, faced a troubling situation when his phones were returned by authorities after his controversial arrest last July. One of his phones was no longer password-protected, raising concerns. Mwangi's personal phone, used for private communications and family photos, was now potentially accessible to the Kenyan government, an environment he described as constant surveillance and harassment.
Citizen Lab, an organization tracking digital threats against civil society, released a report with high confidence that Kenyan authorities used Israeli technology to break into Mwangi's phone while in police custody. This technology, made by Cellebrite, could have extracted all data, including messages, private files, and sensitive information.
The report adds to evidence of Cellebrite's technology being misused by government clients, despite the company's claims of a rigorous review process. Mwangi, who has faced legal challenges and even torture, expressed fear and exposure, knowing his personal information could be in the hands of the government.
Cellebrite responded to the report, stating they take allegations of misuse seriously and take decisive action when credible evidence is presented. They encourage organizations with concerns to share them directly.
This incident highlights the risks faced by activists and journalists when their phones are potentially compromised by government surveillance tools. Citizen Lab's findings also point to the role of 'non-state actors' in enabling government surveillance, raising concerns about the safety of pro-democracy activists.
The case of Mwangi and the use of Israeli technology by Kenyan authorities underscore the need for transparency and accountability in the use of surveillance tools, especially when they can potentially expose and endanger individuals' privacy and safety.
