Police have detained a suspect in connection with the hacking of JamboPay, a major digital payment platform in Kenya, that led to the illegal transfer of approximately Sh49 million to multiple M-Pesa wallets and bank accounts.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) identified the suspect as Kelvin Kiprono, who is alleged to have gained unauthorized access to JamboPay’s systems in a high-profile cybercrime case that has sent shockwaves through the country’s financial technology sector.
According to the DCI, Kiprono had previously been released on cash bail in December 2023 but failed to appear in court for scheduled proceedings. A warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest, and authorities released his photo to the public in a bid to aid in his capture.
The incident highlights growing concerns over cybersecurity vulnerabilities in Kenya’s expanding digital economy. With mobile money platforms playing a critical role in everyday transactions, breaches of this nature pose serious risks to users and service providers alike.
Investigations into the theft are ongoing, with the DCI working to trace and recover the stolen funds. Authorities have called on the public to share any information that may assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The case has prompted renewed calls for tighter cybersecurity measures across financial technology platforms to safeguard against future attacks.
