Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has urged foreign nations to cooperate in the extradition of WorldCoin personnel to Kenya for questioning.
The calls for extradition follow allegations of data exploitation by the tech company.
Speaking before Parliament on Wednesday, August 9, Kindiki revealed that individuals involved in WorldCoin’s activities would be required to provide statements to local authorities. They will be required to shed light on the recent frenzy that prompted Kenyans to undergo eye scans in exchange for Ksh7,000.
Among the figures implicated and likely to face questioning, should Kindiki’s request be granted, are Sam Altman. Altman is the owner of WorldCoin and a US tech entrepreneur. His co-founders are Max Novendstern and Alex Blania.
“We are closely monitoring all individuals of interest. Those within the country have already given their statements. We will also be seeking the cooperation of foreign authorities to facilitate statements from those outside our jurisdiction,” Kindiki stated.
The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that he had suspended WorldCoin’s operations in Kenya due to its violation of data protection laws.
Data Protection in Kenya
However, intelligence suggests that officials from WorldCoin had visited Kenya a few months prior to the suspension to assess its progress, making them liable for any involvement or negligence, regardless of their direct engagement in the venture.
Kindiki is pressing for an explanation from these authorities regarding their methods of data collection from Kenyan citizens. He is seeking clarification on the nature of WorldCoin’s operations. He is also seeking to assess the measures taken to safeguard collected data, and the potential for data exploitation.
The government has also taken the step of barring both local and foreign WorldCoin staff from departing the country.
“We are employing the full extent of our legal framework to ensure accountability for these individuals,” Kindiki added.
The Cabinet Secretary assured that thorough investigations are underway, aiming to hold all responsible parties accountable. He conveyed that there is no need for undue alarm.
“Crimes have undoubtedly been committed – violations of the Data Protection Act, breaches of Kenyan citizens’ privacy, and contraventions of the penal code. Whether these individuals are Kenyan citizens or not, they will be held answerable,” Kindi emphasized.
Nevertheless, Kindiki acknowledged that the government’s response to the matter should have been swifter, as investigative agencies were caught off guard.
He added that the ministry had been monitoring the situation for three days prior to taking action.
“Ordinarily, security agencies do not intervene in business operations and daily activities unless warranted,” he clarified.
