Protests in Kenya Accuse Safaricom of Controversial Actions Amidst Ongoing Protests
Kenya is currently grappling with a series of events that have shaken its digital infrastructure and sparked nationwide protests. At the heart of the controversy is Safaricom, a leading telecommunications giant in the East African nation.
Recent protests, which have resulted in at least 13 fatalities and widespread internet disruptions, have been fueled by opposition to the Finance Bill 2024. The bill, which has been sent back to Parliament by President William Ruto, has been met with resistance due to concerns over its implications.
Safaricom, a vital part of Kenya's digital backbone, finds itself embroiled in a web of distrust following the internet disruptions. The company, however, denies any complicity in the matter, attributing the disruptions to infrastructure issues and reduced bandwidth.
Kenyans online have alleged that Safaricom was complicit in providing user data that facilitated the abductions of at least 12 individuals who had been vocal in promoting the protests on social media platforms. These alleged abductions, labeled as 'enforced disappearances,' are a violation of Kenyan law and have been condemned by human rights group Amnesty International.
The violent crackdown on protestors has further inflamed tensions, with Kenyans demanding transparency and accountability from both the government and the telecom player. Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa has addressed the issue, stating that the internet disruption affected many users and impacted the entire industry.
Safaricom's rival network, Airtel Kenya, has also been affected by the internet disruptions, adding to the concerns surrounding the matter. The severity of the disruption surpassed that of typical subsea cable cuts, according to internet rights watchdog NetBlocks, leading to suspicions of unscheduled maintenance or more sinister intentions.
The Kenyan government, which holds approximately a 35% stake in Safaricom, has frequently been criticized for supporting its monopolistic position through state patronage. This has added to the suspicions surrounding Safaricom's role in the recent events.
The coming days will be crucial, with Kenyans demanding answers and seeking assurances from both Safaricom and the government. The telecom giant faces a delicate balancing act: navigating government regulations while maintaining the trust of its customers.
The current president of Kenya, who did not sign the Finance Bill 2024 on Thursday, June 26, 2023, is William Ruto. He rejected the Finance Bill and later signed the Appropriations Bill 2024 into law. The internet disruptions in Kenya have also affected neighboring nations and coincided with the ongoing protests. Social media buzzed with allegations that Safaricom was collaborating with the government to suppress dissent, further fuelling the public outcry.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that transparency and accountability will be key to restoring trust and stability in Kenya's digital landscape.
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