Opposition claims Safaricom aiding abduction of Kenyans by police

The Opposition has accused Safaricom of allegedly being complicit and a facilitator in the tracing and abduction of Kenyans who have either ended up dead or maimed in the hands of police.

“We want to issue a direct warning that this amounts to aiding and abetting of the commission of these crimes against humanity for which Kenyans will hold Safaricom responsible and, either take appropriate legal action or boycott their services,” they in a statement read by former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, the leader of the Democratic Party.

Those present included former Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-Kenya) and Jubilee chairman Torome Saitoti.

However, Safaricom has previously denied similar claims especially following accusations that it aided the abduction and enforced disappearances in the aftermath of last year’s Gen Z protests last year over the Finance Bill, which culminated in the storming of Parliament on June 25.

“We do not share data with security agencies was alleged. That is why I say some of these are perceptions and some are based on how things are reported,” Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said, adding that trust and data security are pillars of the telco’s service delivery.

At the same time, the leaders demanded for the arrest and prosecution of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat within 24 hours over the death of blogger and teacher Albert Omondi Ojwang at the Central Police Station.

Addressing a press conference in Nairobi, opposition leaders also demanded that the junior officers who were interdicted following the Sunday incident be given witness prosecution with immediate effect.

“Their lives are in danger because they know the truth,” they said

The leaders also questioned by Omondi was put solitary confinement at Central Police Station.

“Why was Albert considered a high-risk criminal? If he was not in solitary confinement as alleged, who were his cellmates and how many were there? We demand that the Cell Register be produced.”

They also dismissed the directive by Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga that the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) concludes investigations into the incident within seven days, terming it a coverup.

“This is a coverup and a diversionary tactic to delay this matter. The mandate of the DPP under the Constitution of Kenya is to direct the National Police Service and Directorate of Criminal Investigations,” it added.

The leaders applauded the courageous Kenyans who have kept vigil at Vigilance House and encourage them to maintain the pressure until this is achieved.

At the same time, they said June 25 should be dedicated as a People’s Public Holiday in memory of all Kenyans who have lost their lives in the hands of the police citing  due to the persistent targeting, kidnapping, abductions, intimidation, unlawful arrests and murder of young people in the country.