Chelsea fans in Kisumu took a
different approach to celebrating their club’s 3-0 win over PSG in the FIFA
Club World Cup final.
Instead of just cheering and waving
flags, members of the Chelsea Fans Kisumu Branch gathered outside Kisumu County
Hall to speak to locals about something serious, data privacy.
Dressed in blue jerseys, they turned
the post-match excitement into a street-level awareness drive, warning
residents about identity theft, SIM fraud, and online scams.
“We wanted to use this moment to do
more than just celebrate,” said Meldon Modi, the group’s chairperson.
“Too many people are losing money and data
because they don’t know the risks.”
The fans broke down critical but
straightforward safety tips: protect your ID number, don’t share your M-PESA
PIN, avoid sending ID photos online without a watermark, and always dial *106#
to check what phone lines are registered under your name.
They also explained SIM swap fraud,
where scammers hijack your number to steal money or access apps.
Tom Ologi, the group’s secretary
general, said their goal was to use the club’s following to spark small but
meaningful change.
“We love football, but we also live here. This
is our community. If we can teach a few people to avoid fraud, that’s a win.”
They didn’t just talk. The group
shared real-life scam cases, handed out flyers, and even answered questions
from boda boda riders and traders who stopped to listen.
Many passersby admitted they had no
idea their phone number could be used against them.
They also pushed for people to be
more cautious with mobile apps.
Many apps, they explained, request
access to contacts, messages, or locations unnecessarily. Some may even carry
hidden malware that can silently collect your data.
Another key reminder: no company
will ever ask for your M-PESA PIN or a one-time password (OTP) over the phone.
If someone does, it’s a scam. Hang up. Call your provider directly.
They emphasized that data protection
isn’t just a government issue. Kenya’s Data Protection Act (2019) gives every
citizen the right to know what data is collected about them — and to request
its correction or deletion.
What stood out in this campaign
wasn’t the setting or the timing — it was the message. A football fan club used
a global sports moment to highlight a growing threat that hits close to home.
With mobile money, online lending, and digital jobs becoming the norm, Kenyans
are more exposed to digital risks than ever.
The fans’ efforts were a reminder
that fighting fraud isn’t just about policies or arrests. It starts with
conversations — on the street, in WhatsApp groups, at home.
Celebrating doesn’t always have to
be loud. Sometimes, it’s about protecting your community.
