A 56-year-old Kenyan national has been arrested in Zambia over an alleged cybercrime operation targeting state systems ahead of the country’s 2026 general election.

The suspect, identified as Michael Njuka, was arrested during an intelligence-led operation carried out by a joint team of Zambian defence and security agencies. Zambian authorities said the operation was part of efforts to protect the country’s critical systems and electoral environment ahead of the polls.

According to Zambia’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Njuka was allegedly contracted to carry out cyber activities targeting government systems. Authorities said the suspected activities were aimed at interfering with critical state infrastructure as the country prepared for the election.

The arrest came amid heightened security concerns surrounding Zambia’s general election, in which President Hakainde Hichilema was seeking a second term. Zambians went to the polls on August 13, 2026, with millions of registered voters also electing members of Parliament and local councillors.

Zambian officials said the investigation also involved three former senior government officials who were arrested over allegations that they provided technical assistance connected to the suspected operation.

During forensic examination of electronic devices seized from the suspects, investigators reportedly discovered information relating to sensitive military intelligence.

Authorities said the discovery raised further concerns about possible unauthorised access to protected government information.

Zambia’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Dickson Matembo, said the arrests followed intelligence gathered by security agencies.

The government has maintained that the measures were necessary to safeguard national security and protect critical state systems during the election period.

The allegations against the Kenyan national and the other suspects remain subject to investigation.

Their arrest does not, by itself, establish guilt, and the suspects are entitled to due process under Zambian law.

The case has attracted attention in Kenya and Zambia because of the timing of the arrests, coming just as Zambia held a closely watched presidential election.

The incident has also highlighted growing concerns across Africa about the use of cyber technology to interfere with electoral processes and government infrastructure.

Zambian authorities have said security agencies will continue monitoring potential threats and taking lawful measures to protect the country’s electoral and state systems as investigations continue.