FlexiSPY Spyware Secretly Installed on Kenyan Filmmakers to Monitor Messages and Social Media

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has raised serious concerns after forensic analysis revealed that commercial spyware was covertly installed on Kenyan filmmakers’ devices while in police custody.

The incident highlights growing surveillance threats against journalists and media professionals in Kenya.

Surveillance Installation During Police Custody

Forensic investigators from Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto discovered that FlexiSPY spyware was installed on two phones belonging to Kenyan documentarians on or around May 21, 2025.

The devices were in police custody at the time of installation, having been confiscated during arrests on May 2.

Four filmmakers – MarkDenver Karubiu, Bryan Adagala, Nicholas Wambugu, and Christopher Wamae – were arrested at their Nairobi studio on allegations of publishing false information.

Police accused them of involvement in producing the BBC documentary “Blood Parliament,” which implicated Kenyan security personnel in the June 2024 killings of protesters. The BBC has stated that the four filmmakers were not involved in creating the documentary.

While the filmmakers were released without charge on May 3, their electronic devices remained in police custody until July 10. During these 68 days, authorities had unrestricted access to four phones, a tablet, computers, and storage devices.

Technical Capabilities of FlexiSPY Surveillance

FlexiSPY is a commercially available surveillance software that provides comprehensive monitoring capabilities.

The spyware enables operators to access virtually all device functions, including monitoring text messages, emails, and social media communications. It can record phone calls, track GPS locations, monitor website visits, and capture passwords.

The software’s advanced features include downloading photos and videos from target devices, accessing contact lists, and even activating device microphones for ambient listening.

According to Citizen Lab senior researcher John Scott-Railton, this level of access would provide “silent, secret access to all sorts of private business and information about their journalism.”

Press Freedom Implications

CPJ Program Director Angela Quintal described the spyware installation as “outrageous” and demanded immediate explanations from Kenyan authorities.

The incident raises significant concerns about device security when confiscated by law enforcement agencies and represents a serious threat to journalistic freedom and source protection.

The case remains active in Kenyan courts, with hearings repeatedly adjourned as authorities continue their investigation. A scheduled September 10 court appearance was postponed until September 15, during which the filmmakers’ lawyer submitted Citizen Lab’s forensic findings as evidence.

This surveillance incident further damages Kenya’s reputation for press freedom and demonstrates the sophisticated digital threats facing journalists worldwide.

The use of commercial spyware by law enforcement agencies against media professionals represents a concerning escalation in surveillance tactics targeting the press.

Find this Story Interesting! Follow us on Google News , LinkedIn and X to Get More Instant Updates

The post FlexiSPY Spyware Secretly Installed on Kenyan Filmmakers to Monitor Messages and Social Media appeared first on Cyber Security News.