Tag: Albert Ojwang

Albert Ojwang’s Father Accuses DPP Ingonga of Shielding DIG Lagat From Murder Charges

The father of the late Albert Omondi Ojwang, a teacher who died in police custody five months ago, has accused Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga of protecting Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Lagat from prosecution.

He says there is overwhelming evidence linking the senior officer to his son’s arrest, torture and killing.

In a sworn affidavit filed at the High Court in Nairobi, Meshack Ojwang claims Mr Lagat ordered Albert’s arrest in June 2025 after the 29-year-old allegedly shared corruption allegations about him on social media.

He says Albert’s death was the result of state-enabled violence and a cover-up by powerful individuals within the security system.

Albert was arrested on June 7 at their home in Homa Bay County by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

According to Mr Ojwang, the arrest was carried out at the direction of Mr Lagat, who was angered by the teacher’s posts linking him to graft within the National Police Service.

He says Albert was then secretly taken to Nairobi and detained at Central Police Station where he was subjected to torture and humiliation.

“My son never returned home alive. He succumbed to grievous injuries inflicted while in police custody, including blunt force trauma to the head and strangulation,” Mr Ojwang says in his affidavit.

Police initially claimed Albert died by suicide after hitting his head against a cell wall.

A post-mortem report challenged this narrative and concluded that he died from blunt force trauma and strangulation, findings that pointed to torture. Mr Ojwang has submitted the autopsy report in court as proof.

Six suspects have since been charged with murder at the High Court in Kibera.

They include three junior police officers identified as Samson Kiprotich Talaam, the OCS at Central Police Station, James Mukhwana and Peter Kimani.

Civilians John Ngige Gitau, also known as Kinara, Gin Ammitou Abwao, also known as Gilbeys, and Brian Mwaniki Njue were also charged.

None of the charges have been brought against the deputy inspector-general.

Mr Ojwang says focusing on junior officers is an attempt to protect the real mastermind.

He insists that Mr Lagat remains the key suspect and cites Senate testimony by DCI Director Mohammed Amin about Albert’s controversial transfer from Homa Bay to Nairobi for alleged cybercrime investigations.

“I believe that there has been no process that cleared DIG Lagat as the prime suspect in the death of my son,” he says. “Mr Lagat remained the prime suspect as per submissions made in the Senate by the head of DCI.”

Petition by Rights Groups

The affidavit supports a constitutional petition filed by rights activists and civil society organisations who want the High Court to compel the Independent Police Oversight Authority to publicly release its full investigation report and inquiry file.

The petitioners say the file was submitted to the DPP but failed to address the alleged involvement of Mr Lagat.

They also want the ongoing murder trial at the High Court in Kibera halted until the DPP explains why the senior officer was excluded from prosecution.

“Justice for my son will not be realised unless DIG Lagat is charged and prosecuted as the lead suspect in this matter,” Mr Ojwang says.

The petitioners argue that allowing the murder trial to continue without holding Mr Lagat accountable would be a miscarriage of justice.

Their lawyer, Kibe Mungai, says evidence shows Albert was detained at Central Police Station on Mr Lagat’s instructions.

He alleges the deputy inspector-general ordered the OCS to subject Albert to torture, beatings and humiliation.

Mr Mungai further claims the ongoing trial against the six accused individuals is part of a wider effort to shield Mr Lagat from responsibility.

He says the deputy police chief first initiated Albert’s arrest after complaining that the teacher had circulated corruption allegations online.

DIG Eliud Lagat

According to the court papers, he then instructed DCI Director Mohammed Amin to deploy officers who arrested Albert under false pretences.

The petition lists 19 respondents including the DPP, IPOA, Attorney-General, Inspector-General of Police, National Police Service, DCI, Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and DIG Lagat.

The petitioners are seeking orders declaring that the respondents collectively worked to shield Mr Lagat from accountability for Albert’s alleged abduction, detention and murder.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has not issued a public response to the allegations.

As the High Court prepares to hear both the constitutional petition and the criminal case, Albert’s family says they remain hopeful.

They believe the courts are their final chance to uncover the truth behind the young teacher’s death and to ensure every person responsible, regardless of rank, is held to account.

November 26, 2025
Journalist Investigating Migori Judge Over Sh10 Million Bribery Arrested and Released After Public Outcry

Standard Group journalist Collins Kweyu has been released from Central Police Station following his dramatic arrest on Friday evening while investigating corruption allegations against Migori-based Judge Fred Nyagaka over a Sh10 million bribery scandal.

Kweyu, who spent the night in police custody, was freed Saturday morning after the Director of Criminal Investigations Amin Mohamed ordered his immediate release amid mounting pressure from media rights organizations and civil society groups.

Speaking to the press after his release, Kweyu revealed that his investigation centered on a controversial land sale case in Eldoret where Judge Nyagaka allegedly received Sh10 million to deliver a favorable ruling.

The journalist said credible sources had tipped him off about the corrupt dealings, prompting him to pursue the story in line with his professional duties.

“I had reliable information about this land case and the alleged bribery. As a journalist, it was my responsibility to investigate these serious allegations,” Kweyu explained during a video statement released Saturday morning.

The trouble began when Kweyu attempted to contact Judge Nyagaka for his right of reply, a standard journalistic practice that ensures fairness and balance in reporting.

However, instead of receiving a response to his queries, the journalist found himself trapped in what he described as a setup that led to his arrest in Nairobi.

The arrest, which occurred late Friday evening, was immediately condemned by the Crime Journalists Association of Kenya and the Kenya Union of Journalists, who viewed it as a deliberate attempt to silence press freedom and obstruct legitimate investigative journalism.

CJAK Secretary General Brian Obuya described the arrest as “a blatant attempt to silence a journalist investigating possible corruption within the judiciary,” adding that using state machinery against media practitioners constituted “an attack not only on press freedom but also on the very rule of law itself.”

The timing of the arrest particularly irked media rights advocates, as it was executed on a Friday evening, ensuring Kweyu would remain in detention over the weekend until courts resumed on Monday.

Police at Central Police Station claimed the arrest order originated from Migori detectives investigating alleged cybercrime involving Kweyu and two others.

The case has drawn parallels to the death of journalist Albert Ojuang, who died under unclear circumstances while in police custody, with CJAK warning authorities against allowing history to repeat itself.

Amnesty International joined the chorus of condemnation, calling for Kweyu’s safety while in custody and demanding he be accorded full rights as a suspect in detention.

The journalist’s ordeal began when he was allegedly deceived into attending a meeting at a Nairobi restaurant, only to be confronted and whisked away by police officers without being properly informed of the charges against him.

Court orders were reportedly issued to search Kweyu’s residence and seize his computer equipment, moves that CJAK interpreted as attempts to uncover his sources and compromise the confidentiality that is fundamental to investigative journalism.

Following his release, Kweyu demonstrated remarkable resilience and professional commitment, vowing to continue his investigative work without succumbing to fear or intimidation.

His stance reflects the broader struggle facing Kenyan journalists who often risk their safety while exposing corruption and holding public officials accountable.

The case highlights the ongoing tensions between media freedom and powerful interests seeking to suppress unfavorable coverage. It also underscores the crucial role of press freedom organizations in defending journalists’ rights to investigate matters of public interest without fear of reprisal.

As Kweyu returns to his newsroom, his experience serves as both a cautionary tale about the risks facing investigative journalists in Kenya and a testament to the power of collective action in defending press freedom when media practitioners face intimidation and harassment.

The allegations against Judge Nyagaka remain under investigation, and the public will be watching to see whether the judicial system will address the corruption claims with the seriousness they deserve, particularly given the lengths allegedly taken to silence the journalist pursuing the story.

September 20, 2025
DIG Lagat Didn’t Step Aside But Went On 18-Day Leave, Court Told

Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat has firmly denied allegations that he stepped aside from his duties, telling a court that he was merely on an 18-day administrative leave during investigations into the death of Albert Omondi Ojwang.

In court documents filed as part of a case seeking his removal from office, Lagat clarified that his temporary absence was voluntary and conducted in accordance with proper procedures, not a resignation or abandonment of his position.

“On June 16, 2025, I formally applied for temporary administrative leave from office in light of the ongoing investigations surrounding the unfortunate death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, which had attracted significant public concern and speculation,” Lagat stated in his affidavit.

The Deputy Inspector General emphasized that his leave application was made “voluntarily and in good faith, in line with the principles of public accountability, institutional integrity and preservation of public confidence in the police service.”

Lagat has provided copies of both his leave application and the letter granting the leave to support his position.

He maintains that no successor was appointed during his absence, contrary to what some petitioners have claimed violates constitutional requirements.

The senior police officer categorically denied any misconduct on his part, stating that no disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against him by the National Police Service Commission or any other competent authority.

“I reiterate that there was no misconduct on my part. No disciplinary process has been initiated against me by the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) or any other competent body,” he declared in his court filing.

Lagat argued that the case seeking his removal is premature and legally unfounded, describing it as disruptive to police operations and aimed at achieving “populist rather than legal goals.”

The DIG stressed that his temporary leave should not be misconstrued as resignation or cessation of office under Articles 245 and 251 of the Constitution or Section 20 of the National Police Service Act.

He described attempts to interpret administrative leave as resignation as “legally untenable, speculative, and contrary to binding legal and policy frameworks.”

During his absence, Deputy Inspector Gilbert Masengeli assumed acting responsibilities, an arrangement Lagat maintains does not violate constitutional provisions regarding command structure within the police service.

Lagat has requested the court to dismiss the petition seeking his ouster, arguing that it amounts to an abuse of court process and could paralyze the effective functioning of the Kenya Police Service without credible evidence of unlawful conduct.

The case centers around investigations into the controversial death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, which has generated significant public attention and calls for accountability within the police service.

The court is expected to make a determination on whether Lagat’s temporary leave constitutes grounds for his removal from office or if he can resume his duties as Deputy Inspector General of Police.

July 22, 2025
‪Mawego Police Station Arson Suspects Charged With Terror Offences‬

Eight people suspected to have planned and executed the burning of Mawego Police Station in Homa Bay were on Tuesday charged with terrorism and related offences at the Kahawa Law Courts in Nairobi.

The accused; Kennedy Oluoch, Nicholas Otieno, Tofiq Owiti Mohamed, Michael Omondi Opiyo, David Bill Clinton Otieno, Robert Ouko Abala, Samuel Ouma Odhiambo, and Erick Obunga Osumba were presented before Senior Principal Magistrate Richard Koech where they faced three serious counts. These include terrorism, arson, and willful destruction of property.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the charges are as follows: “Count I: Commission of a terrorist act, contrary to Section 4(1) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA). Count II: Arson, contrary to Section 332 of the Penal Code. Count III: Malicious damage to property, contrary to Section 339 of the Penal Code.”

All eight pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution made a strong case against the granting of bail, while defence lawyers pushed back against the request.

The court scheduled the bond ruling and case mention for July 22, 2025. Meanwhile, the suspects have been detained at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison.

They were re-arrested on July 14, after the closure of a miscellaneous case, and handed over to the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) for processing under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and additional provisions of the Penal Code.

Police believe the eight were among the main organisers of the July 3 attack that left the station in ruins.

The incident occurred during a protest tied to the death of Albert Ojwang, a blogger and teacher who died while in police custody at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.

He had earlier been held at Mawego Police Station.

The suspects were earlier arraigned at the Oyugis Law Courts, where they were labelled by investigators as the masterminds of the “coordinated attack, carried out in collaboration with other accomplices who remain at large.”

Tension had mounted last Thursday as Ojwang’s funeral procession made its way to Kokwanyo village.

A group of angry youths intercepted the body, demanding that it be taken to Mawego Police Station instead, claiming that was the place where his troubles began.

Despite efforts by Ojwang’s father to calm the situation, the crowd forcefully redirected the body to the station. There, they stormed the premises, bypassed police barriers, and set the station on fire.

At the time, officers had already abandoned the area.

Among the offices destroyed was that of the Officer Commanding Station. Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilen condemned the act of violence and confirmed that several key offices had been reduced to ashes.

July 16, 2025
IPOA Denies Exonerating DIG Lagat in Ojwang’s Murder Probe

Investigation into teacher’s death in police custody remains active as legal challenges mount

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has moved swiftly to dispel reports suggesting it has cleared Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat in connection with the murder of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang.

In a statement released Monday, IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan categorically denied the circulating reports, describing them as “misleading” and emphasizing that investigations into Ojwang’s death remain “active.”

“IPOA’s investigation is still active, and therefore, the reports that the Authority has exonerated Lagat are misleading,” the statement read. “If the investigations find him culpable, IPOA will make appropriate recommendations to hold him to account.”

The clarification comes as public scrutiny intensifies over the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death on June 8, 2025, while in custody at the Central Police Station.

DIG Eliud Lagat.

The case has become a flashpoint for concerns about police accountability and the treatment of suspects in custody.

The IPOA statement coincided with ongoing court proceedings where activist Eliud Matindi has challenged Lagat’s potential return to office.

However, High Court Justice Chacha Mwita declined to issue interim orders blocking Lagat from resuming his duties, instead directing the Deputy Inspector General to file his official response by July 23.

The legal maneuvering reflects the broader public interest in ensuring accountability in a case that has captured national attention.

Matindi’s court challenge, while lacking detailed public specifics, appears to question the propriety of Lagat’s continued tenure given the ongoing investigations.

Lagat’s current situation stems from his decision to step aside on June 16, 2025, following sustained public pressure over Ojwang’s death.

In his statement at the time, Lagat cited his “responsibilities” and the “ongoing nature of the investigations” as reasons for temporarily vacating his role.

“In the good and conscious thought of my role and responsibilities as the Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Service and in view of the ongoing investigations into the unfortunate incident of the death of Albert Ojwang, I have today opted to step aside,” Lagat stated.

The move came after several police officers on duty at the Central Police Station during Ojwang’s detention were suspended, signaling the seriousness with which authorities were treating the incident.

IPOA has indicated that preliminary investigations have identified suspects who have since been arraigned in court, though the authority has not provided specifics about these individuals or their alleged roles in Ojwang’s death.

The ongoing investigation represents a critical test for IPOA’s independence and effectiveness in overseeing police conduct.

The authority’s ability to conduct thorough, impartial investigations while managing public expectations and legal challenges will likely influence public confidence in the oversight system.

The National Police Service (NPS) has also dismissed reports about Lagat’s return to his Vigilance House office in Nairobi, suggesting coordination between various law enforcement agencies in managing the situation.

As the legal and investigative processes continue, the case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between due process and public accountability in high-profile cases involving law enforcement officers.

The death of Albert Ojwang has become more than an individual tragedy; it has evolved into a broader conversation about police custody procedures, oversight mechanisms, and the protection of citizens’ rights while in state custody.

July 14, 2025
Court Allows DIG Lagat To Resume Office

High Court Judge Declines Interim Orders as Controversy Over Blogger’s Death Intensifies

NAIROBI – The High Court has declined to issue interim orders that would have prevented Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat from resuming his duties, despite mounting opposition following the controversial death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody.

Justice Chacha Mwita made the ruling on Monday, July 14, 2025, effectively allowing Lagat to continue in his role while the substantive case proceeds through the courts.

The legal challenge was filed by activist Eliud Matindi, who had sought immediate court intervention to block Lagat’s return to office.

The case comes amid escalating public debate over Lagat’s role in events leading to Ojwang’s death and questions about police accountability.

The court case, filed by activist Eliud Karanja Matindi – a Kenyan residing in London – raises fundamental questions about police leadership and constitutional procedure.

Matindi argues that Lagat’s decision to “step aside” on June 16, 2025, was effectively an act of resignation, making the DIG position vacant.

In his petition filed at Milimani High Court, Matindi cites Section 12 of the National Police Service Act, claiming that Lagat is “deemed to have resigned as DIG on June 16, 2025, having determined, on his own motion, that he could no longer lawfully discharge the functions of DIG.”

The activist also challenges the constitutionality of Lagat’s appointment of Patrick Tito as acting DIG, arguing that only the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has the constitutional mandate to make such appointments.

“Under the Constitution, there can only be one DIG, Kenya Police Service at any one time, whether appointed substantively or in an acting capacity,” Matindi argues in his court papers.

Lagat has hired Nairobi-based lawyer Cecil Miller to contest these claims, maintaining that his stepping aside was temporary and in good faith, not a resignation.

Court’s reasoning

In declining to grant the interim orders, Justice Mwita emphasized the importance of due process, stating that all parties must be heard before any substantive decision can be made on the matter.

The court has directed that proper legal channels must be followed, setting a clear timeline for the case to proceed.

Despite IPOA’s clearance of Lagat, the constitutional questions raised by Matindi’s petition require judicial determination.

The court has given Lagat until July 23, 2025, to file his official response to the suit.

This seven-day window will allow the Deputy Inspector General to formally address the constitutional arguments about his stepping aside and the appointment of an acting DIG.

The case is scheduled for mention before Justice Chacha Mwita for directions, with other interested parties including the Law Society of Kenya and Katiba Institute also involved in the proceedings.

The case represents a significant test for police accountability and constitutional governance in Kenya.

While IPOA investigations have cleared Lagat of direct involvement in Ojwang’s death, the constitutional questions about police leadership transitions and the limits of executive authority remain unresolved.

The incident has highlighted deeper systemic issues within Kenya’s security sector and raised questions about how senior police officials handle complaints, their responsibilities when citizens die in custody, and the proper legal procedures for addressing such situations.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had initially downplayed the likelihood of Lagat stepping aside, but mounting public pressure ultimately forced the decision.

Lagat’s potential return now faces both legal and political challenges.

IPOA clearance

The legal challenge stems from the controversial death of 31-year-old teacher-cum-blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody at Central Police Station in Nairobi.

Ojwang died after being arrested following a defamation complaint filed by Lagat.

Police initially claimed Ojwang died from self-inflicted injuries, but this narrative collapsed after an autopsy revealed he likely succumbed to blunt force trauma from an alleged assault by police officers, sparking accusations of police brutality and foul play.

However, investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) have now cleared Lagat of direct involvement in Ojwang’s murder.

According to sources familiar with the probe, investigators found no evidence linking Lagat directly to the killing.

Inspector General Douglas Kanja confirmed Lagat’s clearance, stating: “I hope to see him back at the office today because he has been cleared by all the investigations.”

Three officers – including the police chief at Central Police Station, another officer, and a technician – have since been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

President William Ruto offered condolences to Ojwang’s family and pledged KSh2 million for funeral arrangements.

Growing opposition

Lawyer Nelson Havi.

The court’s decision has intensified debate over Lagat’s fitness to return to office. Prominent lawyer and former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi publicly opposed the reinstatement, stating unequivocally: “Eliud Lagat should not be allowed to resume duty as DIG.”

Critics argue that public confidence in the police command structure has been severely shaken by the incident.

“Even if IPOA cleared him, we can’t afford to move on like nothing happened,” said a Nairobi-based human rights observer.

However, some leaders, including Soy MP David Kiplagat, have defended Lagat, arguing that he followed proper legal procedures by formally reporting the blogger through official channels.

All eyes will now be on Lagat’s response, due by July 23, which should provide the first detailed insight into the nature of the legal challenge and the Deputy Inspector General’s defense.

The case will likely proceed to full hearing once all preliminary responses are filed, potentially setting important precedents for how such challenges to senior police appointments are handled by the courts.

July 14, 2025
DIG Eliud Lagat Returns to Duty After Murder Probe Clearance

Senior police officer resumes role following month-long investigation into teacher Albert Ojwang’s death in custody

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Lagat is set to return to his duties today after being cleared by investigators probing the murder of teacher-blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody last month.

Inspector-General Douglas Kanja confirmed Lagat’s reinstatement yesterday evening, stating he expected to see the senior officer back at Vigilance House today following his clearance by all investigations.

“I hope to see him back at the office today because he has been cleared by all the investigations,” Kanja told a local newspaper.

Lagat stepped aside on June 16 after summoning senior police commanders to his office, where he announced his decision to allow investigations to proceed unimpeded.

The move came amid intense public scrutiny over Ojwang’s death, with Lagat named as the complainant in a defamation case that led to the teacher’s arrest.

During his final address to police commanders, Lagat urged them to remain steadfast in upholding the law despite the circumstances. “Remember, there is a country to take care of,” were his parting words as he vacated his corner office.

An official familiar with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) investigations revealed that the probe found no evidence directly linking Lagat to Ojwang’s murder.

The teacher died following an alleged assault by police officers at Nairobi Central Police Station.

Lagat’s temporary departure had sparked a constitutional challenge, with London-based Kenyan activist Eliud Karanja Matindi filing a petition at the High Court arguing that stepping aside constituted a resignation.

The petition, scheduled for mention before Justice Chacha Mwita today, contends that Lagat’s action violated the National Police Service Act.

The case has also drawn criticism over the appointment of Principal Deputy Patrick Tito as acting DIG during Lagat’s absence, with the petitioner arguing this arrangement was unconstitutional.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had initially downplayed the likelihood of Lagat stepping aside, describing him as “a seasoned officer who understands what it takes to conduct investigations.”

Lagat has retained Nairobi lawyer Cecil Miller to represent him in the ongoing court petition, maintaining that his decision to step aside was temporary and made in good faith.

The Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Igonga had promised to provide an update on the matter but had not done so by press time.

Ipoa declined to comment publicly, citing the case’s active status before the courts.

The resumption of duties marks the end of an 18-day period that had created uncertainty within the police service’s top leadership structure, with critics arguing it had caused administrative confusion and a constitutional crisis.

July 14, 2025
Kokwanyo Ward MCA Bid Shattered as Albert Ojwang’s Uncle Reveals Late Teacher’s Political Dream

Albert Ojwang was more than a young teacher and social media voice—he was a man on a mission. His shocking death in police custody sent waves of grief across Kenya, but a new revelation from his uncle has added weight to the tragedy.

Speaking during Ojwang’s emotional burial in Kakoth Village, Homa Bay County, the uncle disclosed that the 31-year-old was preparing to vie for Kokwanyo Ward MCA in 2027.

His political ambition was fueled by a desire to uplift his community—a dream now brutally cut short.

Albert Ojwang may be gone, but the movement he sparked will not die. In death, he has become a symbol of youth resilience, political awakening, and the urgent need for police reform in Kenya. [Photo: Courtesy]

Albert Ojwang’s Uncle Reveals Late Teacher Had Set Sights on Kokwanyo Ward MCA Seat

In front of grieving family, friends, and angry residents, Ojwang’s uncle broke the silence with a heartfelt confession. Albert had already set his sights on becoming the next Member of County Assembly for Kokwanyo Ward.

“Whenever Albert came home from Mombasa, he would always pass by my place first, even if he was staying for a month,” his uncle said, holding back tears.

He recounted a visit just days before Ojwang’s death. “He sent me Ksh500 for transport so we could meet at Obambo. We sat and talked for hours. That’s when he told me, ‘I want to vie for MCA next year. Even if I lose, I’ll still run. It doesn’t have to be through Ruto’s party.’”

According to the uncle, Ojwang had already begun planning campaign strategies and grassroots outreach. His goal was simple—to give a voice to the youth and bring real change to Kokwanyo Ward.

“He was focused. We had so many plans,” the uncle added. “He wanted to uplift his people and was serious about it. Now, that dream has been silenced forever.”

From Political Hopeful to Victim of Police Brutality

Albert Ojwang’s journey took a horrifying turn on June 7, when officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested him. His alleged crime? Defaming Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat online.

He was taken to Mawego Police Station and later transferred to Nairobi Central Police Station. The next day, Ojwang was dead.

The autopsy results painted a grim picture—signs of blunt trauma and strangulation, consistent with police brutality. His death outraged the nation and ignited protests across Homa Bay and beyond.

Angry youths, fueled by grief and frustration, stormed Mawego Police Station and set it ablaze on June 13. Days later, during Ojwang’s burial, officers were chased away from the funeral grounds, with mourners shouting that the police had no place at a burial for someone who died under their custody.

Residents continue to demand justice, calling for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible. The cries have only grown louder since the uncle’s revelation—Ojwang was not just a victim, he was a leader in the making.

A Community’s Loss and a Nation’s Wake-Up Call

Ojwang’s murder has now taken on a deeper meaning. He was not merely a teacher or an influencer—he was a political visionary determined to give Kokwanyo Ward a new voice. That voice was silenced violently, in a system that continues to shield perpetrators and criminalize dissent.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who met with Ojwang’s father on June 11, promised a full investigation and accountability. But locals remain skeptical.

“What justice are they talking about?” asked one youth at the burial. “Albert was killed because he spoke truth to power. He was a good man. And now they want to bury the truth with him.”

For a region long neglected and forgotten, Ojwang’s dream represented hope. A hope now buried in Kakoth soil, beneath banners of mourning and chants of resistance.

His family says they will not rest until justice is served. His uncle vowed to honor Albert’s legacy by continuing to engage youth in leadership and civic education.

“Albert was going to run, and we were ready. The system feared his voice. But they will hear it louder now through us,” he said.

The pain is raw, the anger deep, and the questions many. But one thing is clear: Kokwanyo Ward MCA will never be the same again.

July 4, 2025