A requiem mass for slain teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang on Wednesday, July 2, at Ridgeways Baptist Church in Nairobi turned into a call for justice, with family and mourners demanding accountability for his death in police custody.

The family and friends said the killing last month had stoked nationwide anger, with the judicial system now under pressure to act. 

Ojwang, who was arrested on Saturday, June 7, at his home in Homabay, died while held at Central Police Station.

“The government should come out and speak clearly to us so that we may understand what really happened to Albert. Somebody knows the truth about what exactly happened,” said Kenneth Ouma, the family spokesperson.

Ojwang’s wife, Nevnina Onyango, recounted their last phone call during his detention, describing how he had never been arrested before.

“His last words were: ‘I love you, see you soon.’ Seeing him in the mortuary really broke me. It is heavy on us,” said Nevnina.

Ojwang’s father, Meshack Opiyo, likened his son’s death to that of Abel in the Bible.

“Albert’s blood was spilled even though he committed no wrong. Those who killed him to protect themselves and to hide their dark sides should know they may be able to retain their earthly riches, respect and honour but they will never know peace,” said Meshack.

His mother, Eucabeth Adhiambo, eulogised him as a caring son who valued family.

Former Attorney General Justin Muturi, who attended the mass, criticised the state’s record on extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

“When well-educated young people speak they are breathing life to our constitution. We have decided not to follow the usual route of asking the government to set up commissions to look into these matters,” said Muturi, adding, “We have come up with the People’s Restorative Justice Commission to help us get over injustices and human rights violations. This culture of forgive, forget and move on must end.”

Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya and human rights defenders also attended.

The family clarified it had received Sh5 million in funeral contributions, countering social media claims of Sh10 million. Family lawyer Julius Juma said President William Ruto contributed Sh2 million, opposition leader Raila Odinga sent Sh1 million, while Kenyans donated Sh2 million through paybill.

Ojwang’s body will be flown to Homabay on Wednesday, July 3, ahead of his burial at Kokwanyo village on Friday, July 4.

Six suspects, including Officer Commanding Station, Central Police Station (OCS) Samson Talaam, have been charged with murder in connection with the death.