IPOA targets 17 phone numbers in Albert Ojwang murder probe

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has filed an application in court seeking to compel Safaricom Kenya Limited to release call records and related data linked to individuals suspected of involvement in the death of blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang.

Through investigator Abdirahman Jibril, IPOA is requesting court orders to allow access to documents including account opening details, registered subscriber information, call data records, and travel patterns associated with 17 specific mobile phone numbers. The request covers the period between June 4, 2025 (from 5:00 a.m.), and June 8, 2025 (up to 12:00 a.m.).

IPOA also seeks a directive requiring Safaricom to appoint an authorised officer to issue a Certificate of Production of Electronic Evidence under Section 106B(4) of the Evidence Act. This certificate would validate the authenticity of any electronic records provided for legal use.

In addition, IPOA has asked the court to ensure that a copy of any resulting order is served to the Chief Executive Officer of Safaricom Kenya Limited.

According to the application, IPOA is investigating the suspected death in custody of Albert Ojwang, an offense contrary to Section 203 of the Penal Code. The authority cites its statutory mandate under Sections 6 and 7 of the IPOA Act to conduct the probe.

The requested data pertains to mobile phone numbers allegedly used by persons of interest during the period in question. IPOA argues that the information will help identify the registered users of the numbers and analyze their communication and movement patterns, which is crucial in determining whether any legal action should follow.

The court has been told that Safaricom is the lawful custodian of the relevant subscriber data, including call logs and location records, which are key to ensuring a full and impartial investigation.

IPOA notes that most of the required documents exist in electronic form and will need to be certified in compliance with evidentiary standards for digital records.

“Safaricom Kenya Limited holds crucial information and documentation that will significantly aid in ensuring a comprehensive, impartial, and conclusive investigation into this incident,” IPOA stated in its application.