The Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Kenya has advanced technology that helps them track people’s mobile phones without their knowledge.
They do this by using tools like IMEI numbers, which are unique to each phone, cell tower triangulation to figure out someone’s location, and checking call records.
These tools are supposed to be used to investigate serious crimes such as terrorism and financial fraud. However, many people are now worried that these powerful tools are being used in the wrong way.
Normally, the law says that police must get a court warrant before tracking someone’s phone. But there are reports that in many cases, this rule is not followed.
Some claim that the DCI tracks people without proper approval or any oversight. This has created fear and anger, especially among activists, journalists, and politicians who believe they are being watched because of their opinions or work.
Rights organizations say that tools meant to fight crime are now being used to intimidate or silence people.
Another major concern is the role of telecommunication companies. These companies are said to give out private user information to the government. Because of IMEI tracking, a phone can still be followed even if the person using it switches SIM cards.
Many Kenyans don’t know how easily their digital data can be accessed and used against them. The lack of public information about how often or why surveillance is used makes people lose trust in the government.
The DCI often defends itself by saying that their actions are legal and necessary for protecting the country. They point to national security and serious criminal investigations as their reason. But that explanation doesn’t satisfy everyone.
Human rights groups and digital freedom advocates continue to call for stronger laws that can limit how these powers are used.
They want more openness from the DCI and demand that every phone tracking case be reviewed and justified. Some experts have even suggested that Parliament should review these practices regularly and that data protection laws should be improved.
People fear that if there are no strict rules, the government might continue expanding its surveillance, affecting not only criminals but ordinary citizens too.
This could create a society where people are always being watched, even for political reasons. As the use of technology in law enforcement grows, so does the concern over personal privacy.
The biggest question on many people’s minds now is whether anyone is holding the DCI accountable or if the watchers are being watched at all.