Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has accused Kenyan telecommunications company Safaricom of exerting undue pressure on the Nation Media Group following its investigation alleging Safaricom’s involvement in police surveillance.
The report, published in October, claimed that Safaricom shared customer data with security agencies, enabling the tracking of suspects. RSF said the company responded with threats of legal action and withdrew advertising from the media outlet.
Additionally, anonymous social media accounts launched a smear campaign against the Nation, disseminating fake government notices accusing the group of spreading misinformation, RSF added.
“The investigation… is in the public interest, especially as it has enabled the general public to be informed of Safaricom’s involvement in a state scandal,” said Sadibou Marong, RSF’s Sub-Saharan Africa director. “It is unacceptable that the telecommunications operator has continued scrambling to cover up the media’s revelations.”
The Nation’s investigation detailed how Kenyan security agencies reportedly had virtually unfettered access to sensitive customer data, including call records and location data, for years. The revelations come amid growing public anger over alleged security force abuses, including abductions of individuals linked to anti-government protests earlier this year.
Safaricom has yet to provide a detailed response to RSF’s allegations or the media group’s investigation.
