Kenyans Question Gov't Position On World Coin After 2 CSs Issue Contradicting Statements: "Mawaziri Mbumbumbu"

• ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owlao defended the operations of Worldcoin in the country
• His Interior counterpart Kithure Kindiki suspended the activities of Worldcoin in the country hours after Owalo's pronouncement
• Kenyans were left questioning which of the Cabinet members' statements should be adhered to

Nairobi - The country has been hit by a frenzy surrounding the Worldcoin as Kenyan line up to have their eyes scanned for monetary returns.

Citizen Digital reported on Tuesday, August 1, that at least 300,000 Kenyans had scanned their eyes to receive cash from the crypto-currency firm.

On Wednesday, August 2, ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owlao defended the operations of Worldcoin in the country.

Owalo disclosed that the Kenya Kwanza administration is aware of OpenAI’s operations in the country and sought clearance in April before the Worldcoin registration process began.

“This is something that started way back in April. We have a fully-fledged Data Commissioner’s office charged with the regulation of data security and privacy. In April, the office of the Data Commissioner got wind of Worldcoin and wrote them a letter to clarify what they wanted to do,” Owalo said.

The ICT CS stated that despite the concerns over data security issues due to scanning people’s irises, Worldcoin is not breaching the Data Protection Act.

Kindiki contradicts Owalo

However, hours after Owalo's pronouncement, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki suspended the activities of Worldcoin and any other entity that may be engaging Kenyans.

He said the suspension would be in effect until the government certifies the absence of any risk to the public.

“Relevant security, financial services and data protection agencies have commenced inquiries and investigations to establish the authenticity and legality of the aforesaid activities, the safety and protection of the data being harvested, and how the harvesters intend to use the data,” he said.

Kindiki's position was supported by Foreign & Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, calling on Kenyans to aid the government.

Kenyans share their sentiments

The lack of synergy among the Cabinet members has exposed President William Ruto's administration with Kenya.

After the contradicting reports, Kenyans took to social media platforms to question the government's stand on Worldcoin.

TUKO.co.ke highlighted some of the sentiments shared by Kenyans;

@Odockmike:

"Now I believe the President when he says most of you guys have no idea of what is happening in your ministries. Is there any new information that you have given Kenyans in your long paragraphs?"

@Wakabando:

"Waziri, avoid this cacophony? Your call is on Foreign Affairs, NOT a government spokesman formula1 style. If not careful, Bill will guide you back to the lecture hall."

@CalebNyairo1

"Elsewhere, ICT CS is telling us to get our eyes scanned because it is a voluntary exercise."

@henriabuya

"Halafu utasikia hii ndio wanaita multifaceted approach. Hawa ni ovyo na ovyo saidiii ni Ruto kusema they are incompetent and then going ahead and giving then contracts to sign. Upus ajabu."

Ruto unhappy some Cabinet Secretaries

Earlier, President William Ruto conducted the Performance Contract Signing exercise at State House Nairobi on Tuesday, August 1.

Ruto revealed that some officials in government ministries and state departments are clueless about their work.

He challenged the member of the Executive to read extensively to be able to make informed decisions and advise him.