The Kenyan government has responded to the unusual wave of emails sent to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Kenyans calling for the cancellation of King Willem-Alexander’s visit to Kenya. On Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs termed the actions as cyberbullying aimed at undermining the government’s credibility.
Government’s Statement on Cyber Activities
The email campaign and other online activities are a continuation of the June 2024 Gen Z protests and have since morphed into organized cyber campaigns. The statement reads:
- Activities:
- AI deepfakes and fabricated stories.
- Disinformation campaigns against foreign governments and international bodies.
- Auto-generated emails by social media influencers.
- Objectives of the Campaign:
- To discredit government programs.
- To block high-level visits like the Dutch King.
- To stop Kenya from getting international and regional positions.
- To intimidate the international community.
Government to International Partners
The Ministry has assured that measures are being put in place to address this.
- Technology Responsibility Charter: To develop a framework for accountability and ethical practices in the Kenyan digital space.
- Diplomats: The Ministry has assured diplomatic missions, UN agencies and international organizations that it will address any issues raised by these campaigns.
Dutch Ministry’s Response
NOS reported that the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs received over 300 emails from Kenyans. The emails raised concerns on:
- Human rights abuses.
- Abductions and disappearances of government critics.
But the Dutch Ministry has not cancelled King Willem-Alexander’s visit, so it seems they are taking a measured approach.
The Background: Frustration and Digital Activism
The email campaign is a manifestation of growing anger among Kenyans over government actions, particularly on human rights and governance.
- June 2024 Protests: The Gen Z protests against the Finance Bill were the straw that broke the camel’s back for online activism.
- AI and Social Media: Activists are using AI to amplify their campaigns making it harder to track and counter.
What’s to come?
As the government tackles cyber campaigns, it has to balance freedom of expression with responsible digital practices. The Technology Responsibility Charter will be key in addressing these issues while protecting citizens’ right to dissent.
Meanwhile, the international community will be closely monitoring how Kenya navigates these digital protests and their broader implications for its governance and global reputation.