Authorities have tightened the noose on illegal Internet TV streaming in Kenya after a sting operation in Eldoret led to the arrest of a man allegedly behind the sale and distribution of pirated WAKA TV and other IPTV services.
Kelvin Kiplang’at Singoéi was nabbed in Kiplombe, Uasin Gishu County, following a joint operation led by the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) in collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and other enforcement agencies. According to KECOBO, the suspect had built a piracy network that resold premium television content from broadcasters without authorization.
And this wasn’t your typical small-time hustle. Investigators say the illegal service gave users access to Pay-TV content that includes sports, entertainment, and blockbuster channels without paying the proper licenses. The services were allegedly marketed across social media and online platforms, with subscribers hooked by low costs and convenience.
DCI busts WAKA TV control hub
In a statement shared by the DCI on social media, detectives revealed how the operation played out. A raid at the suspect’s premises uncovered two mobile phones, 135 printed marketing flyers, and a “WAKA TV pirate control panel” allegedly used to manage accounts. Using that panel, officers were able to instantly disconnect 64 unauthorized subscribers who had been accessing pirated IPTV streams.
The DCI says Singoéi was processed by KECOBO after the bust and prepared for prosecution.
Cyber risks hidden behind cheap streaming
While many Kenyans may shrug at piracy as a “victimless” shortcut to premium content, KECOBO warns that such services carry serious consequences. The agency points out that these illegal operations don’t just infringe copyright laws. They put users at high risk of data breaches, identity theft, malware, and financial fraud.
Since payments and sign-ups often happen via shady digital channels, unsuspecting customers end up handing over personal data and mobile money details to anonymous operators without any protections.
George Nyakweba, the acting Executive Director at KECOBO, emphasized that such piracy drains revenue from creators, broadcasters, sports bodies, and the media sector—hurting jobs and local production. It also robs the government of taxes and puts legitimate businesses at a disadvantage.
Legal consequences begin
After his arrest, Singoéi appeared before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Eldoret on October 7, 2025. He was released on a cash bail of KES 300,000 with a surety of the same amount. The case is scheduled for pre-trial on October 13, 2025, and prosecutors say they’ll present evidence and witness statements linking him to the elaborate piracy network.
MultiChoice, one of the biggest victims of illicit IPTV redistribution, has been an active player in anti-piracy enforcement. KECOBO credited collaboration with broadcasters and investigators for helping track down the operation.
The broader message? The days of casually buying WAKA TV from Telegram channels and rental shops may be numbered. Authorities now appear more intentional about shutting down such networks, not just deleting accounts.
The Eldoret raid sends a strong signal: the government is no longer turning a blind eye to streaming piracy, especially where money and large subscriber bases are involved. And while many Kenyans love a good deal, the risks of losing personal data or even getting caught in the net are becoming very real.
As the case heads to court, it sets the tone for how digital piracy will be handled going forward. For now, 64 disconnected subscribers somewhere in Eldoret are probably staring at blank screens, waiting to see if their next “fix” comes back or if this is the end of the WAKA TV era.
