Safaricom, CA Deny Role in Ojwang’s Arrest, Reject Claims of Sharing Mobile Tracking Data

Telecommunications giant Safaricom and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) have strongly denied allegations linking them to the arrest and eventual death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, who died while in police custody at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.

The two entities issued statements distancing themselves from accusations that they provided real-time mobile tracking data to security agencies, terming the claims misleading and baseless.

The controversy follows claims by opposition leaders, including former Public Service CS Justin Muturi, who alleged that Safaricom and CA facilitated the tracing and abduction of Kenyan citizens, including Ojwang, who was arrested in Homa Bay over alleged false publication.

“We are also aware that Safaricom is complicit and a facilitator in the tracing and abduction of Kenyans who have either ended up dead or maimed in the hands of police like Albert Ojwang,” Muturi alleged on Wednesday. He warned of legal action or a national boycott against Safaricom over what he termed “crimes against humanity.”

Safaricom: “We Had No Contact With Police”

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa responded with concern, categorically stating that the company had no involvement in Ojwang’s arrest or communication with security agencies.

“At no point was there any contact between Safaricom and any security agency in investigating or arresting the late Albert. We became aware of his arrest through media reports,” Ndegwa said.

He reassured the public of Safaricom’s commitment to customer privacy and condemned any efforts to incite unrest.

“Our ask to all Kenyans is to ignore any attempts to incite them and remain firm in demanding accountability through transparent investigations,” Ndegwa stated.

Communications Authority: “We Do Not Access Real-Time Data”

The Communications Authority of Kenya echoed Safaricom’s sentiments, labelling the accusations “factually erroneous.”

“We note with grave concern the misleading claims on social media platforms alleging that CA provided data on the whereabouts of the deceased to law enforcement. This position is factually erroneous,” CA said in a statement.

The authority clarified that it operates strictly as a regulator and does not have access to or participate in the operational use of real-time subscriber location data.

“Any request for data from law enforcement agencies is governed by strict legal provisions that include judicial oversight,” CA added.

CA operates under the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, and regulates telecommunications, broadcasting, postal services, e-commerce, and cybersecurity.

Calls for Transparency

Both Safaricom and CA expressed their condolences to Ojwang’s family and supported calls for a transparent, impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

The statements come amid growing national outrage and calls for police accountability, following several reported incidents of suspicious deaths in custody.

Ojwang’s case, in particular, has captured national attention, with human rights groups, opposition leaders, and citizens demanding justice and systemic reforms in police operations and digital surveillance protocols.

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Safaricom, CA Deny Role in Ojwang’s Arrest, Reject Claims of Sharing Mobile Tracking Data