Kenyan National Held in Zambia Over Alleged Plan to Interfere With Elections

A 56-year-old Kenyan citizen has been arrested in Zambia over allegations that he was hired to conduct cyber activities targeting the state as authorities intensify security measures ahead of the country's general election.

The Kenyan is among several suspects detained by Zambian security agencies over an alleged attempt to interfere with the country's electoral system.

Zambia's Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security said the arrests followed an intelligence-led operation carried out jointly by defence and security agencies. The operation was launched to uncover activities suspected of threatening the country's electoral process.

In a statement released on Wednesday, August 12, the ministry identified the Kenyan suspect only as a 56-year-old man, saying he was allegedly contracted to engage in cybercrime targeting the Zambian state.

Authorities have not disclosed the specific cyber activities he is accused of carrying out or revealed who allegedly hired him. Investigations into the matter are continuing.

The operation also resulted in the arrest of three former senior government officials who are accused of offering technical services allegedly intended to disrupt Zambia's electoral system.

Three other individuals were summoned to assist with investigations after reportedly being found with more than K7.3 million, approximately Ksh50.15 million. Officials said the source and intended purpose of the money had not been established.

Zambian authorities also said sensitive military intelligence had been discovered on some electronic devices seized from the suspects. The discovery raised concerns about possible unauthorised access to protected government information.

Security agencies remain on high alert as Zambia conducts its elections, with voters choosing the president, members of Parliament and municipal councillors.

President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking another term, while authorities have warned that anyone found attempting to compromise national security, interfere with critical infrastructure or undermine the electoral process will face legal action.

The arrests come as Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) prepares for the country's 2027 General Election.

Earlier this year, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) visited Kenya for a peer-learning and benchmarking exercise hosted by IEBC as Zambia prepared for its 2026 elections.