A wave of fury swept through Homa Bay County on July 3, 2025, as angry residents set fire to Mawego Police Station, protesting the controversial death of 31-year-old blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang’ while in police custody.
The incident marked a dramatic escalation in nationwide calls for police accountability and reform.
In a powerful and emotionally charged demonstration, hundreds of mourners and outraged residents marched through Homa Bay carrying Ojwang’s body to Mawego Police Station—the very place where he was allegedly assaulted. The crowd chanted slogans demanding justice, waved placards bearing Ojwang’s image, and accused police of a cover-up.
As emotions boiled over, a section of the protesters breached the station’s perimeter, setting parts of the building ablaze. Smoke billowed into the sky as flames engulfed offices and records, with police forced to retreat in the face of the overwhelming crowd. The dramatic scene captured the community’s deep grief and growing rage, turning the protest into a symbol of resistance against police impunity.
Ojwang’, who was well known for his advocacy and digital content, was arrested under unclear circumstances. Police initially claimed he died by suicide in his cell. However, an independent autopsy later revealed he had been assaulted, contradicting the official report and sparking widespread outrage.
Earlier, 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.
In a bold display of defiance, hundreds of mourners carried Ojwang’s body in a procession to Mawego Police Station, demanding justice. The crowd, overcome with grief and anger, overpowered the officers and partially torched the facility, reducing parts of it to rubble.
These incidents reflect a broader pattern of civil unrest linked to police brutality, lack of transparency, and delayed justice.
Human rights organisations have condemned the growing trend of custodial deaths and the use of excessive force by security personnel. “Albert Ojwang was more than just a blogger—he was a voice for the voiceless. His death is a chilling reminder of the risks faced by those who dare to speak out,” one rights advocate said.
Political leaders, including President William Ruto and opposition chief Raila Odinga, have since called for thorough investigations and urgent reforms. Yet, the violent public response highlights a widening trust deficit between citizens and the police.
As calls for accountability grow louder, activists and legal experts are urging the government to prioritise reforms within the National Police Service. These include implementing independent oversight, enhancing transparency in investigations, and ensuring officers implicated in brutality face the full force of the law.
The burning of Mawego Police Station is not just a protest—it is a cry for justice in a system many believe has long failed them. As Kenya faces increasing pressure both locally and internationally, meaningful reforms are no longer optional—they are overdue.
