On Monday July 8 2024, a significant case was mentioned at the Milimani court, involving Hatim Mohammed Tahir, who stands accused of unauthorized disclosure of personal data to a third party. Tahir appeared in court alongside his legal representative, Dancun Okatch.
In a bid to protect his client’s dignity, Okatch requested the court to bar the media from covering the ongoing proceedings. He argued that the media coverage was causing undue humiliation to Tahir. Responding to this request, the presiding magistrate directed Tahir to file a formal application regarding the media coverage. A ruling on this matter is scheduled for July 29.
The charges against Tahir allege that he disclosed sensitive personal information without proper authorization. According to the case details, on September 19, 2023, at the Gigiri court yard in Westland’s sub-county within Nairobi County, Tahir, along with an unidentified accomplice, disclosed personal data to Lynn Nganga, a lawyer involved in a civil case. The data in question pertained to Rose Friedman and a minor.
Rose Friedman, the affected party, has taken steps to ensure her interests are adequately represented in the proceedings. She has appointed lawyer Feisal Wakil to observe the case on her behalf.
“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 on the ongoing criminal matter referenced under OB number 25/25/09/2013,” reads the letter as a formal communication.
The court awaits further developments as the formal application concerning media coverage is expected to be a critical point in the next session. The case underscores the significant legal and ethical implications surrounding the unauthorized disclosure of personal data.
