- Protesters set the Mawego Police Station on fire while carrying Ojwang’s coffin
- Youth accuse police of being behind Ojwang’s death
- Family speaks of betrayal, pain, and unanswered questions
- DPP approves murder charges against OCS and five officers
- Burial to take place in Kabondo, Kasipul
A day of mourning turned chaotic on Thursday, July 3, after protesters stormed Mawego Police Station in Homa Bay County, carrying the coffin of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, who died while in custody. The crowd, fueled by anger and grief, later set the station ablaze.
Ojwang had earlier been detained at Mawego Police Station before being moved to Nairobi Central Police Station, where he reportedly lost his life under mysterious circumstances. Locals say justice has been delayed and denied.
Footage seen showed crowds of mourners walking in unison, escorting Albert’s body from Mawego to his home village in Kokwanyo, Kabondo Kasipul, where his burial is scheduled for Saturday.
Earlier in the day, emotional scenes unfolded at Kisumu Airport as the body arrived, one day after a solemn requiem service held at Ridgeways Baptist Church in Nairobi.
Albert’s parents were overcome with grief and disappointment. His father, Meshack Ojwang, laid the blame squarely on state actors. He said Albert’s blood was spilt to protect the interests of the powerful who now walk free.
“They may keep their wealth and respect,” he said. “But they will never know peace.”
His mother, Eucabeth Adhiambo, broke down as she recalled the moment police came for her son while the family was having lunch. She said officers promised he would not be harmed.
“We believed them. We trusted them. That trust cost us everything,” she said. “Albert deserved the law, not death.”
Albert was reportedly arrested over claims that he had published defamatory content online targeting Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. Days later, he died in police custody, triggering public outrage and demands for accountability.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, has since approved murder charges against OCS Samson Talaam and five other officers tied to Albert’s death. The move marks a critical step on the long road to justice.
