Image Courtesy of The Star
There was grief. There was silence. And there was pain the kind that ripples through a community still grappling with the loss of one of its own.
On Wednesday, mourners gathered at Ridgeways Baptist Church in Nairobi to honour the life of slain blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang. The crowd included family, friends, human rights activists, and members of the public, all united by shock and sorrow over his sudden death while in police custody.
But no voice was more heart-wrenching than that of his widow, Nevnina Omondi, who stood before the packed church and shared her heartbreak.
“It’s heavy on me. It’s heavy on my son,” she said softly, trying to steady her voice. “He actually doesn’t know anything that is going on, but it’s heavy.”
Ojwang died on 8 June 2025 while being held at Nairobi’s Central Police Station, after his arrest over allegedly defamatory social media posts targeting Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat. Since then, outrage has spread across the country, with many calling for an independent probe and accountability for what they describe as an avoidable tragedy.
At Wednesday’s requiem mass, security was tight. Police officers guarded the church compound as mourners streamed in among them former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, rights campaigners, and online supporters of the late blogger.
Inside, the service was emotionally charged. Sobs could be heard throughout. At one point, family members surrounded the casket, placing trembling hands on it as they whispered prayers and goodbyes.
Nevnina, standing just metres from her husband’s coffin, recalled what may have been their final conversation.
“When we last talked, when he was in Central Police Station, I think I’m the last person he spoke to. His last words were, ‘I love you, see you soon,’” she said. “Seeing him soon here, at the requiem mass, or even in the mortuary, it really broke me.”
Despite her sorrow, she spoke with resolve for their son, for Ojwang’s parents, and for all who had looked up to him.
“He always told me to be courageous,” she said. “I want people to look up to me. I don’t want to be weak. I want to be strong.”
She also made a public appeal to those entrusted with public safety.
“I wouldn’t wish to see any parent, wife, son or daughter go through what we are going through,” she said. “To the police even if they are strangers treat them with dignity. Let them deal with everyone in the very best way. May God protect us.”
Ojwang was known for his outspoken blog posts and sharp commentary on social justice. Many of his followers now fear he paid the ultimate price for speaking truth to power. Hashtags like #JusticeForOjwang have trended online, and advocacy groups have renewed calls for stronger protections for whistleblowers, activists, and journalists.
The church’s pastor offered words of comfort before reading the eulogy.
“We are praying for you. May the Lord give you strength and courage to go through this,” he said. “Albert’s light was bright. Let us not allow it to go out in vain.”
As the service drew to a close, Nevnina returned to her seat supported by relatives, but carrying more than most could bear. In her final message, she addressed her late husband directly.
“Albert, I love you so much. I don’t know if he’s hearing, but I want him to know that he means so much to me, even if he’s lying here. I truly love him and I’ll always do,” she said. “I’ll always be here for your mum, dad, grandma, uncles for everyone. Thank you for the little time we shared.”
The full facts surrounding Ojwang’s death remain unclear. The family has requested privacy as they mourn, even as pressure mounts for an official investigation.
For now, those left behind are clinging to his memory and his message.
“He gave us courage to speak up,” said one mourner outside the church. “Now we must speak up for him.”
