A case involving Hatim Mohamed Tahir, charged with disclosing personal data to a third party, was mentioned today at Milimani Law Court. According to the charge sheet, Tahir is alleged to have disclosed personal data on September 19, 2023, at Gigiri Courtyard in Westlands Sub County, Nairobi County, to lawyer Lynn Nganga, who is handling a civil case. The disclosed data belonged to Rose Friedman and a minor.

During today’s session, Tahir’s lawyer, Duncan Okatch, requested the court to bar the media from covering the proceedings, citing his client’s humiliation. However, the magistrate directed the accused to file a formal application regarding this request, with a ruling expected on the 29th of this month. The court is also set to schedule hearing dates for the case. Tahir is currently out on a cash bail of 300,000 shillings.

The matter is being presided over by Magistrate R.M. Ndombi. The complainant has appointed lawyer Feisal Wakili to represent her interests. In a letter, she stated, “I am writing to inform you that due to my current absence in Kenya, I have appointed the law firm of Felix Otieno and Co. Advocates to represent me in the ongoing criminal matter referenced under OB number 25/25/09/2013.”

Sections 72(b) and 73 of Kenya’s Data Protection Act (2018) outline crucial guidelines on data protection, emphasizing the rights of data subjects and the responsibilities of data controllers and processors.