A 56-year-old Kenyan national has been arrested in Zambia over an alleged cybercrime plot targeting critical state systems being used during the country’s general election.

Zambia’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security said the suspect was arrested during an intelligence-led operation conducted by defence and security agencies.

According to Permanent Secretary Dickson Matembo, the Kenyan allegedly received a contract to carry out cyber activities aimed at disrupting state systems and interfering with the electoral process.

Three Former Officials Also Arrested

Zambian authorities have also arrested three former senior government officials who are accused of providing technical services allegedly intended to interfere with the country’s electoral system.

The arrests have raised concerns over possible attempts to compromise critical government infrastructure during the election period.

Investigators reportedly recovered electronic devices from the suspects that contained sensitive military intelligence, prompting further investigations into possible unauthorised access to protected information.

Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the Kenyan suspect or provided further details on the alleged cyber operation as investigations continue.