A 56-year-old Kenyan national has been arrested in Zambia over allegations that he was contracted to carry out cybercrimes targeting the state, as Zambian authorities intensify security operations ahead of the country’s general election.
The Kenyan is among several suspects arrested following an intelligence-led operation by Zambia’s defence and security agencies over an alleged attempt to interfere with the electoral process.
Zambia’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security said the operation was aimed at uncovering activities that could undermine the country’s elections.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 12, the ministry confirmed the arrest of the Kenyan, whose name was withheld.
“The State has apprehended a Kenyan national identified as (name withheld), male, aged 56, who is alleged to have been contracted to engage in cybercrimes targeting the State.”
The authorities did not disclose the nature of the alleged cyber activities or reveal who is believed to have contracted the Kenyan. Investigations are ongoing.
Former officials also arrested
The operation also led to the arrest of three former senior government officials who are accused of providing technical services allegedly intended to disrupt Zambia’s electoral system.
Three other individuals were summoned to assist investigators after they were allegedly found with more than K7.3 million, equivalent to about Ksh50.15 million.
The ministry said the source and intended use of the money had not yet been established.
The three individuals, through their lawyers, indicated that they would only be available to assist investigators after August 14.
Zambian authorities also said sensitive military intelligence information had been found on some electronic devices seized from the former officials, raising concerns over possible unauthorised access to protected information.
“Investigations have also identified sensitive military intelligence information on some of the electronic devices seized from the trio, raising further concerns regarding unauthorised access to protected information,” the ministry said.
Zambia on high alert
The arrests have taken place amid Zambia’s presidential election on Thursday, where the people are set to vote for their president, Members of Parliament, and municipal councilors.
This is the re-election campaign for President Hakainde Hichilema.
The Zambian government has stated that persons who try to jeopardize the country’s national security and critical systems and disrupt the election process will face the wrath of the law.
The arrest of the Kenyan citizen takes place at a time when Kenya too is making preparations for its upcoming 2027 general elections, with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) already making preparation for the elections.
In early 2023, Electoral Commission of Zambia came to Kenya for peer-learning and benchmarking visits before conducting its own elections.
With the latest news from Zambia, much attention may be placed on the use of technology and cybersecurity in securing electoral systems.
