The body of 31-year-old blogger and teacher Albert Omondi Ojwang arrived in his native Homa Bay County on Thursday, July 3, 2025, days after his death in police custody prompted national outrage.
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.
Albert’s father, Meshack Opiyo, likened his son’s death to that of Abel, describing it as “born of jealousy and injustice”. The region has since seen vigils and protests, with residents and members of the Kenya Union of Post‑Primary Education Teachers demanding transparency and accountability from the authorities.
Six officers, including the cell’s Officer Commanding Station, have been interdicted, and several remain under investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority. As the nation watches closely, the return of Ojwang’s body brings renewed calls for a thorough, impartial probe into what many see as a case of extrajudicial killing.
The requiem mass
Albert Ojwang’s final journey began on Wednesday, July 3, 2025, with a requiem mass at Ridgeways Baptist Church along Kiambu Road.
The deceased father, Meshack Ojwang’ Opiyo, called for justice for his only child, who was killed in police custody, adding that the shedding of his son’s innocent blood will never go unanswered.
He expressed his sorrow over the loss of his only son, describing it as a heartbreaking moment for the family.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my only son,” he said, noting that he was completely shattered after receiving the news of his son’s death.
His death ignited nationwide protests against police brutality on June 9,2025 and beyond, with human rights groups and political leaders demanding accountability.
