During a moving requiem for slain teacher Albert Ojwang’, his father warned that those behind his death will never know peace. Two police officers face prosecution, and IPOA has vowed to uphold justice.
In a tearful and emotionally charged requiem service held at Ridgeways, Nairobi, the family of the late teacher Albert Ojwang’, who died under controversial circumstances while in police custody, demanded justice, stating that his blood would continue to speak until those responsible are held to account.
His father, Meshak Ojwang, likened his son’s death to the biblical murder of Abel by his brother Cain, warning that those who orchestrated Albert’s demise would never find peace, no matter their positions or wealth.
“The innocent blood of Albert that was spilled by those in power so they can remain in power and hide their evil deeds should know — they will have riches, but they will never know peace,” Meshak declared to a solemn congregation.
“Just like Cain, they will be haunted. The blood of the innocent cries out — it brings suffering. Only the blood of Jesus brings blessings.”
Albert Ojwang’, a respected teacher and husband, was arrested in Homa Bay after allegedly defaming Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat on social media. He later died at Central Police Station in Nairobi, a case that has drawn national attention and fueled widespread anger over police brutality in Kenya.
Grief and Outcry from the Family
Albert’s mother, in visible anguish, described him as a pillar of the family, revealing that he regularly sent money to support her upkeep.
“My only son would always send me money for food. I am devastated. He was picked just before he could eat. Albert, don’t rest until justice is served,” she said, tears flowing freely.
Albert’s wife, Nevnina Onyango, painted a picture of a man deeply devoted to his family. Holding back sobs, she described the emotional toll his death has had on both her and their young son.
“He was my strongest moral anchor. Getting back to calm will be difficult. Our son doesn’t even understand what’s going on. Albert’s last words to me were, ‘I love you, I’ll see you soon.’ Now I’m seeing him in a coffin,” she lamented.
Leaders Demand Accountability
Several leaders attended the service, including former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi and Mumias East MP Peter Salasya, who both vowed to pursue justice for the late teacher.
Muturi condemned the growing culture of impunity within law enforcement agencies and praised the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for standing firm against efforts to derail justice.
Officers Facing Charges
Following IPOA’s independent investigation, two police officers — Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Samson Taalam and Police Constable James Mukhwana — have been arrested in connection with Ojwang’s death. The authority confirmed that attempts by senior police officials to block their prosecution had been thwarted.
“The prosecution of the officers is not a witch hunt,” IPOA stated in a press release. “It is the result of a thorough and independent investigation, and the evidence is sufficient.”
Public Uproar and DIG Resignation
Ojwang’s death ignited nationwide protests, particularly among youth and civil rights groups, who decried the continued abuse of power by the police. The pressure eventually led to the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, the senior-most officer linked indirectly to the case through the defamation accusation.
Rights activists continue to call for deeper reforms in the police service and increased transparency in custodial deaths, with many pointing to Ojwang’s case as the latest in a long list of extrajudicial killings.
As the legal battle continues, the memory of Albert Ojwang remains a painful reminder of the price of unchecked authority — and a rallying cry for justice in Kenya’s evolving democracy.
