Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

The family of slain blogger Albert Ojwang has revealed why ODM leader Raila Odinga did not attend his burial, despite public expectations.

According to Ojwang’s cousin, Jane Adeya, the burial committee advised Raila to skip the funeral, fearing backlash from enraged mourners, particularly the youth.

Ojwang, a vocal critic of the government, was beaten to death while in custody at the Nairobi Central Police Station just hours after being arrested in Homa Bay.

His death has sparked national outrage and renewed calls for police accountability. During the emotional and chaotic burial in Homa Bay, tensions ran high.

Youths demanding justice blocked the casket, carried it away, and took it to Mawego Police Station—the first station where Ojwang was held before being transferred to Nairobi.

According to a report by KTN, the mourners reportedly insisted that no one perceived to be aligned with the broad-based government should be allowed to address them.

“This is the first time Raila Odinga has been told not to attend a burial in Luo Nyanza. Raila was told not to attend the burial,” Adeya claimed. “The youth are unpredictable and very angry. They made it clear they would only listen to Embakasi East MP Babu Owino because of his firm stand against the current regime.”

Adeya added that the youth took over funeral arrangements, including documenting the time of arrival and burial of the body, and listing who would be allowed to speak.

“They prepared their own OB (Occurrence Book). This level of organisation shows the anger brewing among the youth,” she said.

“Where we are going is not good. I pray for peace,” she said. “Let us accept and allow peaceful demonstrations," added Adeya, who is also part of the Mama Kenya Movement—a women-led initiative advocating for peaceful elections—called for national dialogue to calm the unrest.

Babu, while addressing mourners, demanded justice for Ojwang, stating that 'the police officer who was responsible for Ojwang's death must be arrested, prosecuted, and sentenced to life imprisonment.'

Meanwhile, Ojwang’s death became a rallying point in the Gen Z-led protests against government impunity and police brutality, deepening the rift between state authorities and a disillusioned generation.

Ojwang was laid to rest with both the Kenyan national flag and a Manchester United flag draped over his coffin.

A military official, who requested anonymity, later stated that it was inappropriate to bury the national flag, given its symbolic role as a unifying emblem.

The act has stirred mixed reactions across the country, with Ojwang becoming only the second person to be buried with the Kenyan flag in such a manner.

Following Ojwang's killing, Raila issued a strongly worded statement condemning Ojwang’s death.

He condemned the incident, citing a disturbing lack of transparency and accountability by the authorities.

The long-standing opposition leader warned that such deaths not only inflict pain on families but also undermine public trust in the police and state institutions, potentially leading to instability.

He called on the National Police Service to act decisively and ensure those responsible are held accountable.

Source: TUKO.co.ke