Telecommunications giant Safaricom has strongly denied claims that it played a role in aiding police officers involved in the arrest and eventual death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang.
Ojwang, a 31-year-old digital activist, died in police custody in Nairobi on June 8 after being arrested in Homa Bay for allegedly defaming a senior police officer. His death, confirmed by post-mortem results to be the result of head trauma and neck compression, has sparked widespread outrage, drawing attention to police brutality and renewed calls for accountability.
In the wake of the incident, online speculation and accusations surfaced suggesting that Safaricom may have shared Ojwang’s call records or location data with law enforcement agencies, enabling his arrest. However, the company has issued a firm denial, stating that it does not and did not share any subscriber information related to Ojwang without a valid court order.
In a statement, Safaricom reiterated its commitment to customer privacy, emphasizing that it operates strictly within the framework of Kenyan law, specifically the Data Protection Act. “We only provide customer information upon receipt of a valid court order,” the company said, adding that no such order was issued in relation to Ojwang’s case.
The telco emphasized that it takes data protection seriously and acts only when legally compelled. “At no point did Safaricom assist any agency in tracking or locating Albert Ojwang,” the statement read.
This is not the first time Safaricom has been forced to defend itself against accusations of collaborating with state authorities to track down citizens. During previous crackdowns on protesters and activists, the company faced similar public scrutiny, prompting it to clarify its legal obligations and limits regarding data access.
As the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) continues investigations into Ojwang’s death and the officers involved, attention remains focused on whether there was any improper use of technology or telecom data in his arrest. Safaricom has expressed willingness to cooperate fully with lawful investigations but maintains that its role, in this case, has been misrepresented.
With public trust in institutions wavering, the ongoing debate over surveillance, privacy, and corporate responsibility remains central to Kenya’s digital rights conversation. For now, Safaricom maintains that it had no part in the events leading to the tragic death of Albert Ojwang.