Members of the National Assembly have voiced their apprehensions regarding what they perceive as perplexing statements from various members of President William Ruto's executive.
Specifically, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and ICT CS Eliud Owalo have come under scrutiny for issuing conflicting remarks concerning the WorldCoin debacle.
Addressing the issue, Minority Leader of the National Assembly Opiyo Wandayi asserted that the Executive was endangering the lives of Kenyans by treating a crucial matter of data with a sense of uncertainty and risk.
"We only have one government, yet you will find CS Owalo saying one thing while Kindiki issuing contradictory statements over the same subject matter. This is not allowed," Wandayi claimed.
Wandayi's sentiments were supported by Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi who noted that WorldCoin agents have been operating in many parts of the country with the facilitation of government agencies.
"It is important for us to know the interest of these people. They are everywhere including Karen and many parts of the country," Elachi stated.
Speaker Wetang'ula has summoned ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo to appear before the National Assembly in order to provide an explanation regarding the situation.
The conflicting statements between Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo have caused confusion.
On Wednesday, August 2, Owalo stated that WorldCoin would not face shutdown as it had not violated any laws.
However, shortly after, Kindiki contradicted this statement and suspended WorldCoin's operations in the country due to concerns about data safety.
"Relevant security, financial services and data protection agencies have commenced inquiries and investigations to establish the authenticity and legality of the aforesaid activities, the safety and protection of the data being harvested, and how the harvesters intend to use the data," read part of the statement.
Kindiki noted that the controversial technology firm's data collection activities posed a significant national security threat.
His statement was supported by Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua who pointed out that the government would pull out all stops to ensure data safety.
"Let us all support the stoppage of Kenyans being used as Guinea Pigs & their data being harvested. Being paid is important but you have to ask yourself why your eyes are being scanned and information gathered. What does it mean and what will it mean to you and your offspring?" Mutua asked.
On Friday, July 28, The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) cautioned Kenyans against sharing their details with WorldCoin.
The agency cautioned Kenyans against being enticed with monetary benefits, even as Kenyans rushed to have their eyes scanned in exchange for a Ksh7,000 token.
Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait advised Kenyans to enquire about how their data will be used before accepting terms and conditions.
"As the ODPC conducts its assessment of WorldCoin's practices to ensure compliance with the law, Kenyans are urged to ensure that they receive proper information before disclosing any personal or sensitive data.
Commenting on the issue, Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait, reaffirmed the Office's commitment to promoting data privacy and security in Kenya.
"It is the responsibility of data controllers to ensure that personal data is processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act. Failure to do so not only puts individuals' privacy at risk but also exposes an organization to legal and reputational consequences," she remarked.
