US envoy Whitman denounces police use of phones to track suspects: 'Privacy should be respected'
By Evans Jaola
US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman has commented on an exposé published by Nation.Africa that showed police are using mobile phone data to track and capture suspected criminals, which violates innocent users’ right to privacy. The envoy expressed concern over allegations.
"I don't know enough about this issue yet...what I will say is that the laws of privacy and rule of law around rights of a private citizen need to be respected in democracies," she said.
"I'm certain that people will look into this situation...I think we should take it very seriously."
Speaking in Kitale Tuesday, where she had a meeting with local civil society groups, she said the US says is concerned over shrinking freedoms and the deteriorating human rights record in Kenya.
Ms Whitman affirmed the commitment of the US to working with both the Kenyan government and civil society groups to uphold the rights of all individuals, including women, youth, and people with disabilities, through various initiatives.
The US envoy called for action against perpetrators of human rights violations, especially during anti-government protests.
US election
The Ambassador said the outcome of the upcoming US election will not impact the historic diplomatic ties between Washington DC and Nairobi.
“The US is very focused on this election. I could tell you it is basically a week from today and so in Kenya on Wednesday morning...we will have an idea of what has happened. As you know, it is a very close election but what I will say because I get this question often is that whoever wins, it will not change relations with Kenya,” she said.
“We have had many presidents and you have had many presidents over the last 60 years of our relationship...this is one of the strongest relationships that America has on the continent and maybe even in the world. I can assure you that whoever is elected we will continue to work with Kenya as much as we have.”
US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman addresses the press outside Kittony Heights building in Kitale Town, Trans Nzoia County, after meeting with civil society groups on October 29, 2024.
