A solemn requiem mass was held on Wednesday, July 2, at Ridgeways Baptist Church in Nairobi for Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and blogger who tragically died in police custody. The gathering, attended by family, friends, human rights defenders, and prominent figures including former Attorney General Justin Muturi and Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya, transformed into a powerful demand for justice and accountability for his death.

Ojwang was arrested on Saturday, June 7, at his home in Homa Bay, reportedly over a social media post allegedly defaming a senior police officer. He was subsequently transferred to Nairobi’s Central Police Station, where authorities initially claimed he died from self-inflicted injuries. However, a subsequent autopsy revealed blunt-force trauma, neck compression, and signs of manual strangulation, directly contradicting the official narrative and intensifying calls for a thorough investigation.

The family expressed profound grief and anger, recounting their last interactions with Albert. His wife, Nevnina Onyango, shared their final phone call, recalling his words: ‘I love you, see you soon.’ She described the devastating impact of seeing him in the mortuary and the challenge of raising their young son, Albert Junior, who remains oblivious to his father's demise. Ojwang’s father, Meshack Opiyo, likened his son’s death to that of Abel in the Bible, stating that those responsible would never know peace. His mother, Eucabeth Adhiambo, eulogized him as a caring son who deeply valued his family.

Kenneth Ouma, the family spokesperson, publicly called upon the police to provide clear answers regarding Ojwang’s death, questioning the efficacy of the justice system and comparing Ojwang’s case to that of the late MP Ong’ondo Were. He thanked X influencer Hanifa and Eric Omondi for their assistance in fundraising efforts for the family. Former Attorney General Justin Muturi criticized the state's record on extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, advocating for a “People’s Restorative Justice Commission” to address injustices and human rights violations, emphasizing the need to end the culture of ‘forgive, forget and move on’.

The family also clarified details regarding funeral contributions, stating they received Sh5 million, not Sh10 million as rumored on social media. Family lawyer Julius Juma confirmed that President William Ruto contributed Sh2 million, opposition leader Raila Odinga sent Sh1 million, and Kenyans donated Sh2 million through a paybill number. Ojwang’s body is scheduled to be flown to Homa Bay on Thursday, July 3, for burial at Kokwanyo village on Friday, July 4.

In a significant development, six suspects, including Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Samson Talaam of Central Police Station, have been charged with murder in connection with Albert Ojwang’s death, bringing a glimmer of hope for justice to his grieving family and a nation watching closely.