Tears flowed freely and emotions ran high as Nevnina, the widow of the late Albert Ojwang, delivered a moving tribute during his Requiem Mass, laying bare the emotional toll her husband’s sudden death has taken on her young family and her determination to remain strong, even in unspeakable pain.
Speaking at the Ridgeways Baptist Church on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, Nevnina revealed that she met Ojwang in 2021 when he travelled to Kisumu, explaining that their love story began through a mutual friend from Pwani University, who had shared her contact details with him.
The gesture she recalled was what unknowingly ushered in one of the most meaningful relationships of her life.
“God blessed us, and we became one. I met him in 2021 when he visited Kisumu. Actually, I met him through a mutual friend from Pwani University. The friend is the one who gave Albert my number. God blessed us, and we became one. He has been an amazing person in my life and has made me courageous because he was very encouraging,” she said, her voice quivering with grief.
She described him as an amazing soul who inspired her to shed her fears and walk in boldness, often reminding her that she did not need to be timid and that she deserved to live courageously, just as he did.
She remembered him as both reserved and courageous, saying that as a teacher, Albert understood the importance of using his voice and presence to make a difference, and consistently urged her to do the same.
“Sometimes I was very down and shy, and he would sit me down and tell me, ‘You do not need to be shy. You have to stand out, talk, and be very courageous like me.’ He was a bit reserved but also very brave. You know, he was a teacher, and teachers have to be vocal,” she said.
Reflecting on his sudden death, Nevnina confessed that she never imagined that their journey would be cut short so soon.
“Albert left at a time when I did not expect him to leave, but it was God’s timing,” she said, adding that although she tries to accept the divine will, as a human being the weight of the loss is unbearable and at times leaves her at a loss for words.
Holding back tears, she spoke about their final conversation, disclosing that she believes she was the last person to speak with him while he was still held at Central Police Station.
“His last words were, ‘I love you; see you soon,’” she said, her voice breaking.
Despite the immense pain, Nevnina expressed her desire to honour Albert’s memory by living with the same strength and purpose that he always encouraged in her.
“He always told me to be courageous,” she said, “and I want to stand strong for the sake of our son and the rest of the family.”
She added that while she is heartbroken, she wants those who looked up to Albert to now look up to her as she steps forward in resilience.
“I do not want to be weak. I want to be strong,” she affirmed. “I know he might not be hearing me, but I want him to know that I loved him and that I will always love him.”
Albert Ojwang, whose death occurred while in police custody under circumstances that remain under investigation, leaves behind a grieving young family and a legacy of mentorship and inspiration that his widow now vows to carry forward.
