Story perspectives

Kenyan Activist Claims Police Misuse Spyware on His Phone

2/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Boniface Mwangi, a Kenyan pro-democracy activist planning to run for president in 2027, said his phone was returned without password protection after arrest last July.
Citizen Lab found authorities used Cellebrite technology to access Mwangi's phone while in police custody.
Mwangi said he feels monitored and unsafe, noting that spyware targeted other activists' phones during police investigations.
Mwangi criticized non-state actors for enabling surveillance, saying they jeopardize his safety.

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Story summary

Boniface Mwangi, a Kenyan pro-democracy activist planning to run for president in 2027, said his phone was returned without password protection after arrest last July.
Citizen Lab found authorities used Cellebrite technology to access Mwangi's phone while in police custody.
Mwangi said he feels monitored and unsafe, noting that spyware targeted other activists' phones during police investigations.
Mwangi criticized non-state actors for enabling surveillance, saying they jeopardize his safety.