Zambian authorities have detained a 56-year-old Kenyan citizen suspected of involvement in cyber activities targeting the state, as the country prepares for its general elections scheduled for August 13.
The arrest was part of an intelligence-driven operation executed by Zambia’s defence and security agencies. The Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security confirmed the Kenyan was allegedly contracted to conduct cybercrimes intended to interfere with the electoral process.
Alongside the Kenyan, three former senior government officials were also apprehended on accusations of providing technical support to disrupt the elections. Additional individuals were summoned after being found with over K7.3 million (approximately Ksh50.15 million), though the origin and intended use of the funds remain unclear.
The ministry further revealed that sensitive military intelligence was discovered on electronic devices seized from the suspects, raising concerns about unauthorized access to protected information.
Heightened Security Ahead of Elections
With voters set to elect the president, parliamentarians, and municipal councillors, Zambian security agencies remain vigilant against any attempts to compromise national security or the integrity of the electoral process. President Hakainde Hichilema seeks a second term in the upcoming polls.
This development comes as Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) faces pressure to ensure transparency in its own upcoming August 10, 2027 general elections. Earlier this year, IEBC hosted a delegation from Zambia’s Electoral Commission to share best practices and enhance electoral management.
