Mary Wachuka, a Kenyan businesswoman caught in a high-stakes dispute over surveillance software, is now facing an even tougher situation after the government revoked her passport.
This move comes as her legal troubles grow, reportedly involving individuals with strong connections to State House.
Wachuka’s involvement in selling spy technology has placed her at the center of a controversy that no longer looks like just a private business matter. The situation is now drawing in security agencies, political interests, and human rights advocates.
Although the government has not explained why they canceled her travel document, people close to the case suggest it is tied to investigations into how she ran her business.
Her company, which deals with surveillance software, has allegedly worked with sensitive clients, possibly within security agencies.
Front page of the Daily Nation newspaper detailing the report.
This has raised concerns and led to what some say is a silent but strong effort to control her movements and possibly silence her.
Legal experts say this action makes it harder for her to get a fair hearing, especially if she wanted to travel for meetings, legal representation, or to seek international attention.
Wachuka’s lawyers have made it clear they will fight this decision in court. They argue that taking away her passport is against her basic rights, including her freedom of movement and the right to be treated as innocent until proven guilty.
They also say Wachuka has been fully cooperative with investigators and that punishing her like this without charges being filed is unfair.
Supporters of Wachuka believe she is being targeted because she refused to stay quiet about her dealings with powerful clients.
Alleged State House insiders involved in the tussle. Photo credit/Daily Nation,
They claim her company followed the law and that her current problems started only when she demanded payments or questioned contracts with state-linked actors.
These supporters say the state is using intimidation tactics to stop her from exposing sensitive information that could embarrass key officials or institutions.
Human rights groups are also raising alarms. They worry that using tools like passport withdrawal to silence individuals could become more common, especially in cases where politics and national security are involved.
They warn that such actions can harm democracy by making it risky for people to speak up when dealing with influential figures.
Now grounded and facing serious pressure, Wachuka must fight to clear her name while managing the weight of a system that seems determined to bring her down.
Her case could become a test of how the Kenyan government balances national interests with individual freedoms, especially in matters involving powerful people and secretive industries.
