Zambia has arrested a 56-year-old Kenyan national over allegations that he was hired to engage in cybercrimes targeting the state, as security agencies intensify operations ahead of the country’s general election.
The arrest was announced by Zambia’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 12, following what officials described as an intelligence-led joint operation involving the country’s defence and security agencies.
Kenyan allegedly hired for cyber operations
According to the ministry, the Kenyan man was allegedly contracted to carry out cyber activities aimed at compromising state systems during the sensitive election period.
“The State has apprehended a Kenyan national identified as (name withheld), male, aged 56, who is alleged to have been contracted to engage in cyber-crimes targeting the State,” the ministry said.
Authorities did not disclose the suspect’s identity or reveal who allegedly hired him. They also withheld specific details about the nature of the alleged cyber operations, saying investigations are ongoing.
Former senior officials also arrested
The operation extended beyond the Kenyan suspect, with three former senior government officials also taken into custody.
Investigators allege the former officials provided technical services intended to disrupt Zambia’s electoral system ahead of Thursday’s polls.
Meanwhile, three other individuals have been summoned to assist investigators after security officers reportedly recovered more than K7.3 million (approximately KSh50.15 million) in their possession.
According to the ministry, the individuals informed investigators through their lawyers that they would only be available for questioning after August 14.
Sensitive military intelligence recovered
Zambian authorities further revealed that electronic devices seized during the investigation allegedly contained sensitive military intelligence information.
Officials said the discovery had raised serious concerns over unauthorized access to protected government information and could widen the scope of the ongoing probe.
High alert ahead of Zambia’s election
Zambia heads to the polls on Thursday, August 13, with citizens voting for a president, members of Parliament, and municipal councillors.
Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term, and security agencies say they are on heightened alert against any attempts to interfere with the electoral process.
The ministry warned that anyone found compromising critical national infrastructure, election systems, or state security would face legal action.
Kenya’s IEBC also preparing for 2027 polls
The developments come as Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) faces growing scrutiny over preparations for the country’s General Election scheduled for August 10, 2027.
Earlier this year, the IEBC hosted officials from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for a peer learning and benchmarking visit focused on strengthening electoral management and transparency.