Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa has firmly denied allegations that the company provided police with information about participants in the recent Gen Z protests.
During a press briefing, he emphasized that Safaricom only releases user data if required by a court order, adhering strictly to the Data Privacy Act.
Ndegwa explained that the company has established robust mechanisms to protect user information.
He addressed concerns that Safaricom was sharing data during the protests, stating,
“There was a perception that potentially we (Safaricom) were giving out people’s information during protests.”
“We would only release information if a court asks us to.”
He pointed out that security agencies worldwide have their own methods for obtaining information, often without relying on mobile network operators like Safaricom.
“Security agencies don’t have to rely on us; they have their own tools,” he said, indicating that they often need information urgently and cannot wait for legal processes.
The allegations surfaced amid a wave of arrests of protest leaders, with reports suggesting that some activists were detained by individuals in plain clothes, believed to be police officers.
This situation led to calls for a boycott of Safaricom products from concerned users.
Ndegwa emphasized that the company values user privacy, follows the law, and is committed to earning customer trust.
By Vivian K.