[PHOTOS]: Cries for justice echo at Ojwang’s requiem mass

Pallbearers carry the casket during the requiem mass of the late Albert Ojwang at Ridgeways Baptist Church along Kiambu Road, Nairobi on July 2, 2025. /LEAH MUKANGAI

A solemn requiem mass for slain teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang turned into a passionate call for justice on Wednesday.

Family, friends and public figures gathered at Ridgeways Baptist Church in Nairobi to mourn a man whose death in police custody has sparked nationwide outrage.

Ojwang, 31, was arrested on June 7 in Homa Bay over an alleged defamatory post on his X account.

Less than 48 hours later, he was dead.

Widow Nevnina Omondi carries her son during the requiem mass of the late Albert Ojwang at Ridgeways Baptist church along Kiambu Road, Nairobi on July 2, 2025./LEAH MUKANGAI

Police initially claimed he injured himself while in custody and later died at Mbagathi hospital.

But a postmortem examination told a different story—Ojwang had suffered blunt-force trauma and clear signs of assault.

The incident has drawn condemnation from across the country and renewed scrutiny on Kenya’s record of police brutality and extrajudicial killings.

Mother of the late Albert Ojwang Eucabeth Adhiambo sheds tears during the requiem mass at Ridgeways Baptist church along Kiambu Road, Nairobi on July 2, 2025. /LEAH MUKANGAI

At the mass, Ojwang’s wife, Nevnina Onyango, fought back tears as she recounted their last phone conversation.

His father, Meshack Opiyo, compared his son's death to that of Abel in the Bible, slain out of jealousy and injustice.

"My son did not deserve to die this way," Opiyo said.

"He was a truth-teller, a peace-loving teacher. Now we are left with silence where his voice once was."

Widow Nevnina Omondi and activist Eric Omondi during the requiem mass of the late Albert Ojwang at Ridgeways Baptist Church along Kiambu Road, Nairobi on July 2, 2025. /LEAH MUKANGAI

Former Attorney General Justin Muturi, also in attendance, used the occasion to criticise the state’s failure to curb police abuses.

"We cannot keep turning a blind eye to extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. Albert’s death is not an isolated incident—it is part of a systemic failure," Muturi said.

Father of the late Albert Ojwang Meshack Ojwang during the requiem mass at Ridgeways Baptist Church along Kiambu Road, Nairobi on July 2, 2025. /LEAH MUKANGAI

Six police officers, including Officer Commanding Station (OCS) of Central Police Station, Samson Tallam, have since been charged with Ojwang’s murder.

Ojwang, born in Kakoth, Homa Bay county, will be flown to Homa Bay on Thursday, July 3.

He will be laid to rest on Friday, July 4, in Kokwanyo village.