CA denies involvement in tracking late Albert Ojwang
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has distanced itself from claims circulating on social media that it assisted law enforcement officers in locating the late Albert Ojwang before his arrest.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, the regulator dismissed the claims as misleading and factually incorrect. The authority stated that it neither has access to real-time location data of mobile subscribers nor does it play a role in how such data is used by law enforcement agencies.
“The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) acknowledges the public concern and ongoing discussions, particularly on social media platforms, regarding the unfortunate demise of Albert Ojwang. We note with grave concern the misleading claims on social media platforms alleging that CA provided data on the whereabouts of the deceased to law enforcement,” the statement read in part.
CA clarified that it operates strictly as a regulator and does not initiate, direct, or participate in any operational use of subscriber data. The authority explained that any requests for such data by law enforcement agencies must follow legal procedures, including the issuance of a court order or a lawful request under the law.
The Authority said it is guided by the Kenya Information and Communications Act of 1998, which outlines its role in overseeing and ensuring compliance in various sectors such as broadcasting, cybersecurity, multimedia, telecommunications, and e-commerce, among others.
“This position is factually erroneous. We categorically distance CA from any involvement whatsoever in this matter. CA is a regulator and does NOT have access to real-time location data of mobile subscribers. Further, the Authority does not initiate, direct, or participate in the operational use of data held by our licenses,” the Authority stated.
Adding;
“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 as per the law.”
The CA stressed that its role is confined to oversight and compliance, not surveillance or data tracking.
The authority expressed deep sorrow over the death of Albert Ojwang and supported ongoing calls for a transparent and impartial investigation into the incident.
Ojwang was arrested on June 7, 2025, by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
His arrest came after he posted several statements on X reportedly defaming Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat. In the posts, Ojwang accused the senior officer of corruption within the police service.
According to reports, officers stormed his parents’ home in Homa Bay and whisked him away to Nairobi, a journey of over 360 kilometres. He was booked at the Central Police Station later that evening.
Tragically, just hours after being placed in custody, Ojwang was found unconscious in his cell. He was rushed to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was declared dead on the morning of June 8, 2025.
Initial police statements claimed Ojwang had taken his own life by repeatedly hitting his head against the wall. However, an autopsy report contradicted this, revealing signs of blunt force trauma to the head, neck compression, and multiple bruises, clear indicators of physical assault.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which is investigating the matter, has since uncovered bloodstained items in the cell and signs that the station’s CCTV footage had been tampered with.
