Worldcoin owner finally speaks after Kindiki suspended their operations in Kenya

Alex Bania, co-founder of the contentious tech startup Worldcoin, has spoken out about the Kenyan government's decision to ban its operations in the nation.

Bania said in a statement on Thursday that the World ID is a digital identifying system that allows people to verify they are unique and actual people while remaining anonymous.

The system includes scanning the users' irises using a device called the Orb.

He expressed regret for the suspension to Kenyans.

"Tools for Humanity (TFH) has paused World ID verifications in Kenya as we continue to work with local regulators to address their questions. We apologise to everyone in Kenya for the delay," he said.

On Wednesday, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki said the state suspended world coin activities and any other entity that may similarly engage Kenyans. 

He noted that the government is concerned by the ongoing activities which is involved in the registration of citizens through the collection of eyeball/iris data.

The registration exercise for Worldcoin at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre was stopped on Tuesday over security concerns.

Hundreds of Kenyans who had turned up were turned away as police locked the gate to the venue.

However, CS Kindiki revealed that relevant security, financial services, and protection agencies have commenced inquiries and investigations to establish the authenticity and legality of the activities described above.

"Also investigations of the safety and protection of the data being harvested, and how the harvesters intend to use the data is being looked at," he said.

For public safety, the CS said the integrity of the financial transactions involving such a large number of citizens must be satisfactorily provided upfront.