Leading telco Safaricom came out to strongly any involvement in the arrest and subsequent death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, whose demise in police custody has sparked national outrage and political uproar.
In a statement issued by the telco’s CEO Peter Ndegwa on Wednesday, Safaricom expressed deep concern over remarks made by former Attorney General and ex-Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, who allegedly linked the company to Ojwang’s arrest by implying that it may have provided sensitive data to security agencies.
“On the onset, Safaricom wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the late Albert,” Ndegwa said in the statement.
“At no point was there any contact between Safaricom and any security agency in investigating or arresting the late Albert,” he stated unequivocally, adding that the company only learned of the arrest through media reports.
Ojwang, a 31-year-old social media commentator, died in police custody under circumstances that have drawn sharp scrutiny from rights groups, opposition politicians, and the general public.
His death, since ruled a murder after an autopsy report dismiised police claims of a suicide, has been viewed by many as yet another case of extrajudicial killing, triggering calls for accountability.
Safaricom, Kenya’s largest telecommunications provider, is often relied upon by law enforcement for access to communication data in criminal investigations, but the company has always maintained that such access is tightly controlled and guided by law.