Grief and outrage engulfed mourners on Friday during the send-off of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang.
The 31-year-old father of one died in police custody last month.
Ojwang’s wife, parents, relatives, friends and political leaders stood united in mourning, demanding swift and decisive action to ensure justice is served.
“The death of Albert broke me. I don’t know what I’ll do now. Albert was taken before he could even eat. Albert, please don’t rest until you get justice,” said his mother, Eucabeth Adhiambo, in a tearful eulogy.
In a moving tribute that silenced the crowd, Adhiambo recounted how she had worked odd jobs in Malindi — including as a housemaid — to help her husband raise school fees for their only child.
“I was shocked by those police officers who killed Albert. They have broken me,” she said.
Meshack Ojwang’, the deceased’s father, described his son as a hero.
“My life dimmed with my son’s death, but I take comfort in the Bible’s reminder that everything happens for a purpose,” he said.
Albert’s widow, Nevnine Onyango, urged Kenyans to support her in the fight for justice.
“Albert was a good man. I hope justice will be served — but it can only happen if you stand with us,” she said.
Ojwang died on June 8 at Central Police Station in Nairobi, just hours after being arrested by DCI officers from his home in Homa Bay.
A postmortem revealed he had been strangled, triggering widespread protests and demands for accountability.
Police claimed Ojwang had posted online content allegedly defaming Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat. Lagat has since stepped aside from his position to allow investigations.
He has already been questioned by the Independent Policy Oversight Authority.
Ojwang's death has since drawn sharp condemnation from civil society, education stakeholders and political leaders.
At the burial, top county leaders, led by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, joined the growing call for justice.
“We will not relent. The police must act within the law and constitution. We will follow up on this matter closely,” Wanga said.
The county boss was accompanied by National Assembly Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Bensuda, area MP Eve Obara and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
The governor said those responsible for Ojwang’s death will face the full force of the law.
“Justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done. Justice delayed is justice denied,” she said.
The governor delivered condolence messages for President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga, who did not attend the funeral.
Millie Odhiambo decried the killing, noting the immense pain inflicted on the family and the country.
“When we saw you mourn, it struck a national nerve. Men rarely mourn publicly, but learning that Albert was your only child made the pain even deeper,” she said.
Babu called for the immediate resignation of Lagat and condemned the police's role in Ojwang’s death.
“We are mourning because police — who should protect lives — are now the ones taking lives. Every officer involved must be arrested, prosecuted, and jailed for life. DIG Lagat must also be held accountable,” he said.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) have launched investigations into the case. Meanwhile, mounting pressure continues on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to explain the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s arrest and untimely death.
