Senior police officers from the Nyanza region on Thursday visited the family of slain blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang at their rural home in Homa Bay county.
This marked the first official police visit to condole with the family, a week after Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja announced that such a visit would be made.
Thursday’s delegation was led by Nyanza Regional Police Commander Gisiri Nyamohanga, accompanied by other top regional security officials.
Ojwang’ died in police custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station on June 7, just hours after he was arrested by DCI officers from his father’s compound in Homa Bay.
His death has since sparked a wave of national protests, with Kenyans demanding justice and accountability. Several police officers have already been arraigned in connection with the incident.
Commander Nyamohanga led the team to Mzee Meshack Ojwang’s home in Kakoth village, Kokwanyo Location, Rachuonyo East Subcounty, where they offered condolences and shared words of comfort with the grieving family.
“We came here on behalf of the National Police Service to condole with this family and to show that we share in their pain. The death of Albert has touched many of us, and we want to assure the family that we are committed to ensuring that justice takes its course,” said Nyamohanga.
The officers also presented a donation of assorted food items to support the family during the mourning period, acknowledging the large number of visitors who continue to stream into the homestead.
They delivered rice, flour, sugar, milk and vegetables.
“We know that many people have been visiting this home every day since the tragic incident. It is our hope that this small gesture will assist the family in hosting the many guests coming to mourn with them,” Nyamohanga added.
Homa Bay police commander Lawrence Koilem, who was part of the team on Thursday, said the officers wanted to show solidarity with the family.
"We brought various food items to support the family during this difficult time. The regional commander contributed 70 per cent of the donations,'' he said.
Meshack Ojwang, Albert’s father, has been receiving a steady flow of visitors since news of his son’s death broke.
Friends, relatives, and concerned
citizens have been arriving in large numbers, many bringing foodstuffs in a
show of solidarity.
Albert’s mysterious death while in police custody has sparked national outrage, with widespread calls for transparency, accountability, and reforms within law enforcement.
