Nakhumicha: I blew whistle on Worldcoin activity

 

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has attributed her action to the suspension of the Worldcoin activities in the country early last month.

Nakhumicha who was appearing before a parliamentary Ad hoc Committee inquiring into the matter, said she sounded alarm in the Cabinet over a possible health risk hence the investigations.

"I am the one who brought this matter to the attention of the Cabinet-in our Cabinet WhatsApp- I said there is a problem here, this needs to be investigated," she said.

"I did not take it further than that...I was wondering why as a Cabinet we were not talking about it," she added.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki suspended the registration process over security risks.

"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," Kindiki said in a statement.

The CS at the same time warned of eye risks as a result of exposure to infrared light even as she called on those who may have developed any problems to report.

She was responding to a question by Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir who had raised concern that there are some Kenyans who had started developing sight-related challenges as a result.

Nakhumicha said the orb that was being used to collect data from Kenyans by way of scanning their eyeballs did not come to Kenya as a medical or health device.

“We cannot ascertain the strength of the infrared because it did not pass through the pharmacy and poisons board but given an opportunity we can request that it is presented to us so that we can relook at it and advice,” she stated.

While the risks, she noted, are minimal, the prolonged use of the device can cause serious damage.

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) is currently conducting a forensic analysis of the device at its laboratories with a report expected next week.    BY THE STAR