Gov't issues warning after Ruto, MPs' phone numbers were leaked online

This comes in the wake of a new trend where sections of online users have been mobilising targeted attacks on persons perceived to have done wrong by asking for their names, telephone numbers, location and details of family members to be shared online for the respective individuals to be mocked and insulted.

The trend appears to have gained impetus after phone numbers of President William Ruto and Members of Parliament were leaked on social media last week in a public push to have the leaders withdraw controversial tax proposals contained in the Finance Bill 2024.

The MPs appeared to have felt the heat with some of them coming out to publicly lament over the barrage of random text messages and phone calls they received.

The trend continued this week, with personal information of officers spotted repulsing protesters during Tuesday's protests against the Finance Bill being shared online.

The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC), in a statement issued on Wednesday, said such actions are against the law, warning that the perpetrators could face legal action.

"The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (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."

"This 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 ODPC in a statement.

The Data Protection Commissioner has consequently urged any member of the public whose privacy has been violated to file a complaint with the commission.