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How The Government of Kenya is Spying on Your Phone: An Urgent Exposé of State Surveillance

During the recent Gen Z-led protests that shook William Ruto personally and his administration to its very core, many Kenyans found themselves asking a chilling question: How did the police track them down so easily, even in the supposed safety of their homes? Scores of activists and protesters were abducted, many never to be seen again. Suspicion quickly fell on Safaricom and Kenya Power, accused of handing over personal information to a rogue state. But the truth may be even more disturbing—and far simpler than most would imagine... In a revelation that will shock every Kenyan, your private communications—phone calls, texts, and even your physical location—is being monitored without your knowledge. The Kenyan government has been accused of engaging in widespread surveillance of its citizens, using sophisticated tools provided by Israeli cyber-espionage firm Circles. This disturbing information was uncovered in a damning report by Citizen Lab, a digital rights watchdog based at the Un

Devolution Under Threat: Council of Governors Raises Alarm


The Kenya Council of Governors has issued a stark warning, asserting that the nation's devolution system is encountering a grave peril emanating from the Executive. Devolution, a cornerstone of Kenya's governance structure since its inception in 2010, is facing unprecedented challenges, according to the council.

The council, representing the 47 counties of Kenya, has voiced concerns over what it perceives as systematic attempts by the executive to undermine the autonomy and effectiveness of devolved units. Such encroachments, if left unchecked, could erode the gains made in decentralising power and resources, threatening the very foundation of devolution.

Among the grievances highlighted by the council are delays in disbursing funds to the counties, arbitrary interventions in local governance affairs, and the imposition of directives without consultation or consideration of local needs. These actions, the council contends, not only weaken the ability of counties to deliver essential services but also jeopardise the principles of democratic governance and citizen participation enshrined in the Constitution.

The warning from the Council of Governors comes at a critical juncture for Kenya, as the country grapples with a myriad of socio-economic challenges. Devolution, with its promise of bringing government closer to the people and fostering equitable development across regions, is now more indispensable than ever.

In response to the council's alarm, stakeholders, including civil society organisations and the public, are calling for urgent dialogue and concrete actions to safeguard the integrity of devolution. They emphasise the need for mutual respect between the national and county governments, adherence to constitutional principles, and the promotion of a collaborative approach to governance.

As Kenya navigates these turbulent times, the preservation of devolution stands as a litmus test for the country's commitment to democratic ideals and inclusive development. The challenge now lies in translating rhetoric into action, ensuring that the promises of devolution are upheld for the prosperity and well-being of all Kenyans.



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