CA denies role in Ojwang arrest, says it has no access to real-time data
The regulator says it had no involvement in the incident and does not have access to real-time subscriber locations.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has denied claims circulating on social media that it played a role in the arrest and transfer of the late Albert Ojwang by providing location data to police.
The regulator says it had no involvement in the incident and does not have access to real-time subscriber locations.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Authority said the allegations being spread online were misleading and false.
“We categorically distance CA from any involvement whatsoever on this matter,” it said, adding that, “CA is a regulator and does NOT have access to real-time location data of mobile subscribers.”
The Authority further explained that any requests by law enforcement for subscriber data must follow the law.
“Any request for data from law enforcement agencies is governed by strict legal provisions that include judicial oversight and is limited to instances where there is a valid court order or lawful request,” CA said.
The clarification comes amid growing public concern following the death of Albert Ojwang, a social media influencer, shortly after being arrested by police in Homa Bay and transferred to Nairobi.
His death in police custody has sparked an outcry, with activists and the public demanding accountability and a transparent investigation.
While distancing itself from the arrest, the Authority also expressed its sorrow.
“CA is deeply saddened by the death of Mr. Ojwang and the circumstances surrounding it. We fully support calls for a transparent and impartial investigation into the matter,” the statement read.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, speaking before the Senate, confirmed that police officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) wrote to the Authority on June 4 seeking information about two X (formerly Twitter) accounts—Pixelpioneer and Kelvinmwicheles.
Kanja said the Pixelpioneer account had allegedly published defamatory posts about Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, including one that read, "Mr. Eliud Lagat had strategically placed his most trusted officers in charge of DCI desks and traffic shifts in order to control both revenue streams and intelligence flow.”
Another post read: “EACC investigating top cop after purchase of USD 2.6 million home in Dubai accompanied by DIG Lagat's photo and the phrase ‘Eliud Lagat, Mafia police’.”
Kanja told the Senate that CA responded to the DCI’s request by confirming the Pixelpioneer account was active and had 13,400 followers.
He added that police also sought and obtained information about another account, Kelvinmwicheles, which was linked to Kelvin Moinde.
Moinde was later arrested in Migori and taken to DCI headquarters. According to Kanja, he gave a statement that revealed the involvement of four others, including Albert Ojwang, Dorcas Mawia, Douglas Marigiri, and Peter Mbugua.
On June 7, police officers were sent to Homa Bay, where they arrested Ojwang and transferred him to Central Police Station in Nairobi. They arrived at the station at 9:17 p.m
