The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) has issued a cautionary statement on sharing personal data without the owner’s permission.
In a statement on Wednesday June 19, ODPC said Kenyans are sharing personal information on social media without the owner’s consent.
ODPC said the data categorized as personal include names, telephone numbers, location and details of their family members.
“ODPC has established that there has been a recent trend of consolidating and sharing of personal information (names, telephone numbers, location and details of family members) of a certain category of citizens through social media platforms,” the statement read in parts.
Stop Sharing Personal Data
Besides, the Commissioner said the practice has been happening without the affected citizens’ consent contrary to the provisions of Article 31 of the Constitution of Kenya, the Data Protection Act, 2019 and its attendant regulations.
“In view of the foregoing, the Office wishes to advise members of public to refrain from further sharing of personal information which infringes on individuals’ rights to privacy,” said the Commissioner.
The Office encouraged any member of public whose privacy has been violated to file a complaint via: [email protected].
MPs Phone Numbers Shared
Kenyans have adopted the trend of posting the personal information of public officials, such as politicians and the police, especially when they do something that goes against their wishes.
Members of Parliament (MPs) have been the most affected amid the ongoing debate about the Finance Bill 2024.
A section of Kenyans compiled personal mobile numbers of several MPs and shared them on social media, demanding that they reject the bill.
The list, containing accurate numbers of 36 MPs, went viral on social media with Kenyans asked to send messages and pressurize them to vote against the bill.
Also Read: M-Pesa, Internet Data & Other Services LSK Wants Spared as Finance Bill Court Battle Looms
Kuria Receives Ksh168K from Kenyans
National Assembly Finance Committee Chairperson Kimani Kuria revealed that he received a total of Ksh168,000 from Kenyans who were sending him Ksh1 to confirm his phone number.
Speaking on Wednesday, June 19, the Molo MP said he tried reversing the money, but it failed, and he thanked Kenyans for their generosity.
“Some Kenyans were generous to send me Ksh1 and I have written to the clerk wondering what to do with Ksh168,000 sent to me. I will be seeking help on what to do with the money because receiving gifts from members of the public is against the law,” Kuria said.
Messages & Calls
South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro reported receiving over 3,000 messages, with the majority of Kenyans expressing their frustrations and making unusual demands.
Similarly, Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya claimed he received over 5,000 calls from unknown numbers, with Kenyans asking him to reject the Finance Bill.
Besides, Kenyans have shared messages they sent to of President William Ruto and M-pesa screenshots of DP Rigathi Gachagua.
The latest casualties of this trend are two police officers accused of using excessive force during the anti-Finance Bill protests in Nairobi on Tuesday, June 18.
Also Read: Expert Unpacks How Kenyans Will Enjoy Cheap Data in Finance Bill Proposals
Police Officers
One officer, dressed in plain clothes, participated in the arrest of several protesters. The other officer is accused of harassing a woman and then leaving her to die after she suffered a panic attack while resisting arrest.
In a video shared on social media, the officer is seen attempting to arrest the woman, who collapses in the process. Afterwards, the officer is heard saying, “wacha huyo akufe” (Let that one die).
Kenyans on X have shared the officers’ names and contacts, their homes, salaries, the names and contact information of their spouses, and even the names, contact information, and schools some of their children attend.
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