Matiang’i Raises Alarm Over Alleged Internet Jamming and Tracking of Opposition Leaders

Matiang’i Raises Alarm Over Alleged Internet Jamming and Tracking of Opposition Leaders

Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i has raised concerns over what he described as increased digital surveillance, internet disruptions and alleged tracking of opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking at a press conference at Jubilee Party headquarters in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, on Monday, August 17, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary accused the government of expanding its alleged crackdown on political opponents into the digital space.

Matiang’i claimed that opposition leaders were being monitored through technology and that some political convoys had been followed by unmarked vehicles allegedly linked to state agencies.

He further alleged that the vehicles were equipped with signal-jamming equipment capable of disrupting communication during political events.

“The government has decided to begin, in addition to terrorising opposition leaders, a new wave of digital terrorism against the opposition.”

Matiang’i also alleged that resources had been acquired from criminal networks abroad to gain access to the social media accounts of opposition figures.

“They have acquired resources from some criminal groups in Indonesia, and they are accessing social media accounts of opposition leaders.”

The former Interior CS said opposition leaders had experienced unexplained internet disruptions while addressing political gatherings.

According to Matiang’i, Wi-Fi and other communication services allegedly stop working when opposition leaders arrive at some rally venues, limiting their ability to communicate with supporters and the wider public.

He claimed that the team associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua experienced similar disruptions during political activities in Nakuru and Kiambu over the weekend.

Matiang’i said the alleged incidents appeared to form part of a wider pattern rather than isolated technical failures.

However, the claims had not been independently verified at the time of publication, and no evidence was presented during the press conference publicly establishing that state agencies were responsible for the alleged disruptions.

Matiang’i Raises Concerns Over Political Disinformation

Matiang’i also accused the government of supporting propaganda and disinformation campaigns targeting opposition leaders.

He cited a letter circulating on social media that was allegedly attributed to Kanze Dena, former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s communications chief.

The letter reportedly claimed that Kenyatta had declined to meet Gachagua.

Matiang’i dismissed the document as fake and alleged that it was part of a campaign to create divisions within the opposition.

“Last week you saw a letter, a statement purportedly authored by Kanze Dena, the communication head of the fourth president, claiming that President Kenyatta has said he is not going to meet with Rigathi Gachagua. All that is the work of the state.”

The allegations come amid growing political activity as parties and political movements prepare for the 2027 elections.

Kenya’s Internet Shutdown Debate

Concerns over internet disruptions have previously emerged during periods of political unrest.

During the youth-led anti-tax protests in June 2024, internet connectivity in Kenya experienced significant disruptions. Civil society organisations subsequently raised concerns about whether authorities had attempted to limit digital communication during the demonstrations.

The government has denied deliberately interfering with internet access or conducting unlawful surveillance of political opponents.

The debate has nevertheless continued as questions about digital rights, surveillance and online privacy gain prominence.

Recent international assessments have also highlighted concerns about digital freedom in Kenya, including surveillance and pressure on online content.

Matiang’i said opposition leaders would hold a retreat from next week to discuss the allegations and develop a coordinated response.

The former Interior CS said the opposition intended to examine what he described as the growing use of technology to monitor political activities.

With the 2027 General Election approaching, the allegations are likely to intensify debate over digital rights, political freedoms and the role of security agencies in Kenya’s increasingly competitive political environment.

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Matiang’i Raises Alarm Over Alleged Internet Jamming and Tracking of Opposition Leaders