Digital misuse a threat to security, says Mudavadi

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. [Samson Wire, Standard]

The Ministry of Interior has vowed to address the misuse of technology and digital threats as part of its strategy to enhance peace and security in the country.

Speaking on Thursday, December 19, during the launch of the Peace building Architecture Review Report, Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said that technology misuse poses significant challenges to national security.

"This process demonstrates our resolve to tackle escalating digital threats to peace, including online information manipulation, toxic content, fake news, and incitement. These issues must be prioritised," said Mudavadi.

He affirmed that the report's recommendations reflect government's commitment to addressing concerns raised by citizens, particularly the youth, while strengthening institutional frameworks for peacebuilding.

Mudavadi tasked his PS Raymond Omollo with leading the implementation of the report, directing him to assemble a broad-based team to ensure inclusivity in the initiative.

Highlighting the dangers of technology misuse, the acting Interior CS cited a recent incident involving false claims of miners being buried in northern Kenya.

"The Inspector General of Police left Nairobi for Marsabit after social media reports claimed 20 miners had been buried in the mines. Upon investigation, it turned out to be fake news-nobody had died or been buried," he said.

PS Omollo echoed these sentiments, warning against the negative use of technology.

"Emerging concerns show that instead of maximising the benefits of technology, we are witnessing its misuse, particularly by the youth, which poses a threat to peace," Omollo noted.

The ministry also reaffirmed the government's commitment to increasing funding for security initiatives despite resource challenges.

The Peacebuilding Architecture identifies strategic measures to address critical national security concerns, including political tensions and ethnic divisions that often escalate during elections.

It also aims to resolve land-related conflicts, boundary disputes, inter-communal clashes over natural resources, disputes between pastoralist and farming communities, and economic disparities fueling urban unrest.