In a dramatic and emotionally charged protest, thousands of residents in Mawego, Homa Bay County, on Thursday escorted the body of Albert Ojwang’ to Mawego Police Station, where he was held before he was transferred to Nairobi.
The bold procession, captured, showed a sea of mourners walking along dusty village roads, chanting “Justice for Albert” and “Stop killing us.” The crowd carried placards and waved banners as they approached the police station, demanding accountability for Ojwang’s death, which has sparked national outrage.
Ojwang’ died under mysterious circumstances after being detained by police. While initial police reports claimed his injuries were self-inflicted, an autopsy report revealed he died from blunt force trauma consistent with assault—directly contradicting the official narrative.
“My son died like an animal,” said his grieving father, Meshack Ojwang’, speaking to reporters as he fought back tears. “His body showed signs of torture. We want justice.”
Ojwang, arrested on June 7, 2025, in Kakoth village over reported online defamation of Deputy Inspector‑General Eliud Lagat, was transported some 350 km to Nairobi’s Central Police Station. He was found unconscious early on June 8 and later died at Mbagathi Hospital.
A post-mortem revealed head trauma, neck compression, and multiple bruises—findings that sharply contradict the police’s initial claim that he had injured himself while in custody.
On Thursday, July 3, 2025, his casket was flown back to Homa Bay ahead of a scheduled funeral and burial in Kokwanyo village on July 4, 2025.
Emotions ran high as family, friends, and local dignitaries received his remains, with calls for justice echoing throughout the solemn ceremony.
The procession was more than a mourning ritual—it was a powerful act of resistance. Locals say it represents a stand against a wider pattern of police brutality in the country, particularly targeting outspoken youth and digital activists.
The protest also drew attention online, with the hashtag #JusticeForAlbert trending on X throughout the day.
President William Ruto, who campaigned on a platform of ending police brutality, expressed shock at Ojwang’s death and directed that a thorough and transparent investigation be conducted. However, rights groups have voiced concern, warning that without swift and credible action, the case could become yet another statistic in a growing list of unresolved deaths in police custody.
Ojwang’s killing follows a troubling wave of crackdowns on dissenting voices, particularly during and after the 2024 anti-tax protests, which left over 60 people dead. Activists are calling for urgent police reforms and stronger protection for journalists, bloggers, and digital content creators who challenge power structures.
As Ojwang’s body was later taken to Kokwanyo village in Kabondo Kasipul for burial, the message from Mawego remained clear: the community is united in its demand for justice, transparency, and an end to impunity.
The coming days will be critical as investigations unfold—and the nation watches closely.
