Family demands swift justice over Albert Ojwang's death

The late Albert Ojwang. /HANDOUT

The family of Albert Omondi Ojwang has called on the State to deliver swift justice, as they remain unconvinced about the circumstances surrounding their son’s death.

They believe their 31-year-old son was tortured and beaten before being left to die.

His uncle, Joseph Okumu, expressed the family’s deep sorrow, especially since they had fully cooperated with police officers during Albert’s arrest at their home.

Okumu questioned why Albert had to die despite the family complying with the officers who came to their home in Kakoth village, Kabondo Kasipul constituency.

According to the family, six police officers in civilian clothing raided the home and arrested Albert.

“We want the government to urgently tell us what—and who—killed Albert. Claims that he knocked his head on the cell walls are simply not believable,” Okumu said.

The family stated that Albert was neither a drunkard nor did he suffer from any medical condition that could have caused him to collapse and hit his head.

On Monday, Okumu said that as they await judicial proceedings, they also want to understand the reason behind Albert’s arrest.

According to them, the arresting officers claimed they were acting on allegations that Albert had insulted a government official on the social media platform X.

Okumu questioned why Albert was not taken to court if he had broken the law.

“Albert was killed, and we demand justice. What did he do that warranted his death without being taken through the proper legal process?” he asked.

Albert was initially detained at Mawego police station before being transferred to Nairobi for interrogation.

Police claimed he died after hitting his head on the cell wall.

Another uncle, Herman Opiyo, said he was present when the six officers arrived on three motorcycles to arrest Albert.

“They raided the home, appearing from different directions and positioning themselves in various spots within the compound,” Opiyo said.

According to him, the family was having lunch when the officers—reportedly wearing jackets—entered. Albert had just returned home and had not yet begun eating.

“Albert had plans to plant trees and vegetables, but now those plans have been cut short. The officers didn’t even allow him to eat,” Opiyo said.

He added that all family members present at the time of the arrest, including Albert’s parents and wife, followed the officers to the police station.

Later, Opiyo was instructed to return home and bring a sweater for Albert, who was being taken to Nairobi.

He said the family had no reason to suspect any danger, as everything appeared normal during the arrest. The officers had assured them that Albert would be safe.

“What changed after the police assured us they would take care of Albert?” Opiyo asked.

Albert’s mother, Eucabeth, said he was the family’s only son and their hope for the future.

Albert was an only child. He graduated from Pwani University in 2022 and had returned home in April to pursue income-generating activities such as farming and improving the family home, while awaiting communication from the government regarding employment.

“We struggled to educate Albert until he graduated, only for him to be killed. He left before he could transform his family’s life,” she said in mourning.