NAIROBI, Kenya — Safaricom has denied any involvement in the arrest of Albert Omondi Ojwang, a teacher who was found dead in police custody last week, following remarks by public officials linking the telecoms giant to the incident.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said the company was “disturbed” by comments made by former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, who reportedly suggested the telco may have played a role in Ojwang’s arrest.
“We wish to categorically state that at no point was there any contact between Safaricom and any security agency in investigating or arresting the late Albert,” Ndegwa said.
Position Statement.
He added that Safaricom only learned of Ojwang’s detention and subsequent death through media reports.
Ojwang, a teacher from Homa Bay, was arrested last week and transported to Nairobi, where he died while in police custody.
His death has sparked widespread public outrage, with civil society groups and opposition leaders demanding a full and independent investigation.
Without naming Muturi directly, the Safaricom statement called on political leaders to “avoid inciting the public” and instead focus on pushing for a credible and transparent probe.
“We are concerned and disturbed by remarks linking us to the unfortunate incident,” the statement read. “We ask all Kenyans to remain firm in demanding accountability through transparent investigations.”
Safaricom also moved to reassure its customers, stating that it remains committed to protecting user data and privacy.
“We have always been safe and secure in how we handle data, and we will continue to do so now and in the future,” said Ndegwa.
