Requiem Held for Albert Ojwang as Six Officers Face Murder Charges in His Death
NAIROBI — Mourners gathered Wednesday at Ridgeways Baptist Church to honor the life of 31-year-old teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, whose death in police custody has sparked national outrage and a criminal case against six police officers.
Ojwang died on June 7 while being held at Nairobi’s Central Police Station. He had been arrested the same day for an alleged defamation post shared on his X account, formerly Twitter. Police initially claimed he harmed himself inside a cell and died after being rushed to Mbagathi Hospital. That account has since been discredited.
During the requiem mass, his father, Meshack Ojwang’ Opiyo, called for full accountability. “My son’s blood was innocent. It will not be shed in vain,” he told mourners. “We are not just grieving we are demanding justice.”
Ojwang’s body will be transported to Homa Bay County on Thursday. He will be laid to rest Friday in Kakwonyo Village.
Born in Kakoth, Homa Bay, Ojwang had built a quiet reputation as an educator and writer. His sudden death in state custody triggered calls for reform and immediate legal action.
Following an official investigation, the Director of Public Prosecutions approved murder charges against Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam, Police Constables James Mukhwana and Peter Kimani, and three additional officers. The officers are accused of causing Ojwang’s death through unlawful conduct while in custody.
Ojwang’s death adds to growing public concern over enforced disappearances and deaths in custody tied to recent anti-government protests. His case now stands as a test for the justice system’s willingness to hold police officers accountable for human rights violations.
The requiem mass was filled with emotion, remembrance, and resolve. Friends described Ojwang as a principled man who used his voice to question injustice and uplift his community. His family urged authorities to ensure swift prosecution.
“The fight is no longer just for Albert,” said a family representative. “It’s for every Kenyan who deserves to be protected not punished by those in uniform.”
