Speaker Wetang'ula Directs Kimani Ichung'wah To Pronounce Gov't Position On Worldcoin On Thursday

• Speaker Wetang'ula demanded that Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wa presents the government's official statement on the controversial cryptocurrency WorldCoin
• Wetang'ula questioned how a foreigner could mine data from citizens without a license and emphasised the gravity of the matter
• Kimani Ichung'wa is expected to deliver a preliminary statement to the House on Thursday, August 3, at 2.30pm

Nairobi - National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has directed Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wa to pronounce the government's position on the now-controversial WorldCoin craze.

Wetang'ula, who said he could not understand how the foreigners were allowed to collect data in Kenya, demanded the Kikuyu MP tables the government's position on the matter as is required of him as the majority leader.

Wetang'ula's directive

Speaking on the floor of the House on Wednesday, July 2, Wetang'ula said Kimani should give the lawmakers the government's official statement on the controversial cryptocurrency on Thursday, August 3, at 2.30pm.

"How on earth could a foreigner walk into our country and start mining data from our citizens without licence? As the leader of the majority, you have a responsibility to ensure that the ministry responsible bring an explanation to this House either through you or directly.

"Given the gravity of the matter, I direct you to bring a preliminary statement to the House on Thursday at 2.30pm," he said.

Kindiki suspends WorldCoin operations

On Wednesday, the Kenyan government suspended all activities related to Worldcoin in the country.

Thousands of Kenyans have been trooping to malls and at KICC Nairobi to scan their eyeballs for a free token of 25WLD coins, equivalent to KSh 7,000.

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki said on Wednesday, August 2, that the entity's activities will remain terminated until relevant authorities prove its authenticity to data privacy.

"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.