Kenyan authorities used Israeli tech to crack activist’s phone, report claims

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Washington and Carlos Mureithi in NairobiFebruary 17, 2026 at 12:01 PM

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A report by Citizen Lab alleges that Kenyan authorities used Israeli technology from Cellebrite to access the phone of pro-democracy activist Boniface Mwangi while he was in police custody in July 2023. Mwangi, who plans to run for president in 2027, noticed his phone was no longer password protected after it was returned. Citizen Lab's report indicates the technology could have extracted all data from Mwangi's device. Cellebrite stated they have a process for reviewing misuse allegations and take action when evidence is presented. Mwangi was arrested last July and charged with unlawfully possessing ammunition, charges Amnesty International believes are an attempt to intimidate dissent.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Washington, D.C. 30% The Guardian ×240% Amnesty International 40% Israel 50% Kenyan authorities ×270% Citizen Lab ×270% Kenya ×380% Cellebrite ×480% Boniface Mwangi ×690%

Keywords

phone hacking 90% boniface mwangi 90% cellebrite 80% kenyan authorities 80% israeli technology 70% government surveillance 70% activist 70% human rights 60% data extraction 60% digital threats 50%

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Very Negative

Score: -0.60

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The Guardian - World News

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90%

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phone hacking boniface mwangi cellebrite kenyan authorities israeli technology government surveillance activist human rights data extraction digital threats

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