Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i has accused the government of escalating its alleged crackdown on opposition leaders through internet jamming, surveillance and disinformation, describing the actions as “digital terrorism.”
Speaking at Jubilee Party headquarters in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, on August 17, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary claimed the government had obtained resources from criminal networks abroad, including Indonesia, to access social media accounts belonging to opposition figures.
Matiang’i further alleged that opposition convoys are regularly followed by unmarked vehicles suspected to be linked to the state and equipped with signal jammers. He claimed communication systems and Wi-Fi connections often fail whenever opposition leaders stop to address rallies.
He said a team associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua experienced similar disruptions during political activities in Nakuru and Kiambu over the weekend, arguing that the incidents point to a coordinated pattern.
The former CS also accused the government of spending heavily on propaganda and disinformation to undermine opposition figures ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Matiang’i cited a fake letter allegedly attributed to former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s communications chief, Kanze Dena, claiming Kenyatta had declined to meet Gachagua. He dismissed the letter as fabricated and blamed the state for such schemes.
Kenya previously faced internet disruption allegations during the June 2024 anti-tax protests, when connectivity reportedly dropped significantly. Rights groups accused authorities of throttling internet access, allegations the government has denied.
Matiang’i said opposition leaders will hold a retreat next week to discuss the issue and formulate a response.
