Giant telco Safaricom found itself in the spotlight after vocal lawyer Miguna Miguna, called the company over the expiry date of his data bundles.
In response, Safaricom has issued an apology acknowledging the inconvenience caused and requested specific details from Miguna to investigate the matter further.
“Hello Dr. Miguna, sorry about that. Kindly share your number and the M-PESA transaction code if you had purchased the data bundles from M-PESA we check. ^JC” read the statement by Safaricom.
The controversy began when Miguna took to social media to express his frustration with Safaricom.
In a statement directed at the company, Miguna criticized it for what he called unfair treatment, labeling the situation as “daylight robbery.”
He highlighted the discrepancy between the expiry date he was initially given (May 23rd) and the subsequent message from Safaricom indicating an earlier expiry date of May 18th.
Also Read: Safaricom Gives Update After Countrywide Internet Disruption
Miguna’s complaint stemmed from the fact that he had barely used the data bundles before receiving the revised expiration notice.
“This is daylight robbery, @SafaricomPLC I purchased bundles yesterday. You told me they would expire on May 23rd. However, this morning, you have suddenly sent a message stating that they expire on May 18th, and I have barely used them. This is unacceptable!!” said Miguna.
Public Reacts to Miguna’s Criticism
Miguna’s criticism has elicited a range of reaction from netizens, many of whom are in agreement that Safaricom needs to up their game, especially when it comes to service delivery.
“I believe Safaricom takes advantage of high reliability of their network. They’re literally a monopoly, other network that should outdo them do not do enough to give us options. Leaving us with just one,” said Makish.
“I think they were afraid of potential effect and mass publicity of their actions. Other ordinary mortals go through the same every day. Safaricom is likely to steal from you over weekends,” noted Kisemei Mutisya.
“I stopped buying Safaricom bundles because of such,” said Wanjiru.
Miguna Gives an Update
Following the resolution of the dispute with Safaricom over the premature expiry of his data bundles, Miguna provided an update to the public.
In his statement, Miguna emphasized that there is no issue with individuals, including himself, purchasing data bundles as everyone has the freedom to choose their preferred services.
He highlighted the practical need for data bundles, especially in situations like power outages, when on the move, or during short stopovers, even for those with access to WiFi.
Miguna urged the public to shift their focus towards demanding a reduction in data charges in Kenya.
Also Read: Miguna Counters Ruto’s Plan of Increasing Tax Rates; Gives 5 Solutions
He pointed out that Kenyan companies often impose higher rates compared to their North American counterparts, despite offering inferior services.
Miguna criticized the notion that professionals like lawyers should not purchase data bundles, emphasizing that it is the ordinary Kenyan population of over 45 million people who bear the brunt of poor services, exploitative pricing, and inadequate customer care.
“Let’s focus on demanding the reduction on charges. Kenyan companies charge rates that are much higher than their counterparts in North America, even though the latter provide better services,” Miguna stated.
He added, “The primitive belief that a lawyer shouldn’t buy bundles is unfortunate because it’s the more than 45 million ordinary Kenyans who suffer from poor services, exploitative rates and lack of quality customer care.”
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