In one of the most intriguing corporate scandals to hit Kenya’s telecommunications industry, Saikumar Allaka, a former senior analytics manager at Safaricom, was dismissed over allegations of his involvement in a significant data breach impacting 35 million subscribers.
As Safaricom’s lead in analytics and data science, Saikumar was seen as a key figure within the company, tasked with managing sensitive data and driving the company’s data strategy.
However, a series of allegations concerning data security breaches led to his abrupt dismissal and subsequent legal battles.
Despite being acquitted of all charges earlier this year, his career at Safaricom ended amidst serious accusations, including claims of unauthorized data sharing with hackers.
Here’s a look at his background, the case, and what he’s demanding in compensation.
A Career Built on Expertise in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Saikumar Allaka’s professional journey is a testament to his extensive qualifications and deep expertise in the fields of data science and artificial intelligence.
He earned a Master’s degree in Data Science and Big Data Analytics from GITAM Deemed University, where he specialized in major areas like data visualization and big data analytics.
He furthered his education through additional programs at Udacity, including a Self-Driving Car Engineer Nanodegree that covered crucial subjects like computer vision, sensor fusion, and deep learning.
Before Safaricom, Saikumar’s career path took him through numerous roles in respected tech organizations.
At Equity Bank, where he worked for over two years, he led digital transformation projects involving artificial intelligence and big data technologies, helping modernize the bank’s data-driven strategies.
He then transitioned to Safaricom in October 2020, where his role as Senior Analytics Manager involved transforming the telecommunications giant’s data systems using cutting-edge technologies.
Unfortunately, his 15-month tenure at Safaricom came to an end under controversial circumstances in December 2021.
The Data Breach Allegations: A Scandal Unfolds
In late 2021, Safaricom was thrown into a crisis when an anonymous hacker claimed to possess sensitive data of 35 million Safaricom subscribers.
The hacker reportedly demanded a ransom of $800,000 in Bitcoin, threatening to release the data publicly if his demands were not met.
The breach created panic, and Safaricom quickly launched an internal investigation to determine how the data may have been compromised.
According to court documents, Safaricom alleged that Saikumar’s account was used to extract the data sample that the hacker presented as proof.
The incident occurred between October 31 and November 1, 2021, coinciding with the time the ransom demands were received.
This evidence, alongside email exchanges involving three of Saikumar’s subordinates, formed the crux of Safaricom’s argument for dismissing Saikumar.
Although he was a respected figure in the industry, Safaricom ultimately chose to terminate his contract, claiming that his access credentials had been used in connection with the data breach.
A Year-Long Legal Battle and the Court’s Verdict
Following his termination, Saikumar was arrested and charged with data-related crimes, sparking a lengthy legal battle.
However, in April 2024, Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Robinson Kebabe Ondieki acquitted him of all charges due to insufficient evidence.
The court found that Safaricom’s investigation had not extended to critical locations, including the United States and Geneva, where the emails allegedly originated.
Furthermore, there was no evidence to verify Saikumar’s location at the time, as no investigation was conducted in India to establish his presence in Hyderabad or elsewhere.
Demanding Justice: Saikumar’s Lawsuit Against Safaricom
With his name legally cleared, Saikumar is now fighting back.
He has filed a lawsuit demanding KSh 800 million in compensation, claiming that his dismissal was both unlawful and unjust.
Represented by Ondieki and Ondieki Advocates, he alleges that Safaricom failed to follow due process, violating his right to fair administrative action as guaranteed under Kenya’s Fair Administrative Act.
He argues that his fundamental rights to a fair and just hearing were compromised.
Saikumar’s legal complaint includes a detailed breakdown of the damages he is seeking.
The KSh 800 million demand covers KSh 500 million in exemplary damages, considering Safaricom’s multi-billion-dollar status, KSh 300 million in punitive damages to serve as a deterrent against future corporate misconduct, and KSh 50 million for mental distress and hardship suffered throughout his legal ordeal.
In court documents, Saikumar describes the immense mental and emotional toll the case has taken on him and his family. He claims that the wrongful dismissal and public scandal have tarnished his reputation, impacting his career and potential future employment prospects.
He further alleges that he was lured away from his role at Equity Bank, only to be dismissed by Safaricom without adequate grounds after a mere 15 months.
