Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has called on foreign countries to extradite WorldCoin staff members for questioning in Kenya, as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged exploitation of personal data.
In a parliamentary session on Wednesday, Kindiki emphasized the need for individuals associated with WorldCoin's activities to cooperate with local authorities and provide clarity on the recent controversy that prompted a wave of Kenyans to queue up for eye scans in exchange for Sh7,000.
The Interior Cabinet Secretary disclosed that individuals connected to the WorldCoin project will be required to offer statements to the local authorities to address concerns surrounding the frenzy that compelled Kenyan citizens to undergo eye scans.
Notable figures that the Cabinet Secretary hinted at for potential inquiry include Sam Altman, the owner of WorldCoin and a prominent U.S. tech entrepreneur, alongside co-founders Max Novendstern and Alex Blania.
"We have on our radar all the people of interest. Those in the country have already recorded their statements, and we will also be requesting the surrender of those outside our territory so that they can record statements," Kindiki stated in reference to the forthcoming investigation.
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Kindiki reiterated that the suspension of WorldCoin's operations in Kenya was a result of the company's alleged violation of data protection laws.
However, recent intelligence suggested that WorldCoin officials had visited Kenya several months prior to the suspension to monitor their project's progress.
This presence renders them accountable for the actions taken during the venture, whether directly involved or not.
The Interior Cabinet Secretary urged the authorities to clarify the process through which data was collected from Kenyan citizens, citing the necessity for an explanation regarding the safeguarding of the acquired data and the potential for its exploitation.
Moreover, Kindiki disclosed that both local and foreign staff members of WorldCoin had been barred from exiting the country as part of the ongoing investigation.
"We are using our legal instruments to ensure that those people are held accountable," Kindiki affirmed.
While assuring the public that a thorough investigation was underway, Kindiki acknowledged that the government's response could have been swifter.
However, he noted that the relevant government agencies monitored WorldCoin's activities for three days before initiating action, highlighting the government's general restraint in intervening with business operations unless warranted.
"I want to inform the house and the country that we believe crimes have been committed, crimes against the Data Protection Act, the privacy of the people of Kenya, and the penal code. All those found culpable shall be held accountable whether they are Kenyans or not," the Interior Cabinet Secretary reassured.
As the investigation continues to unfold, the Kenyan public remains attentive, awaiting further developments in the WorldCoin data exploitation case.
