A somber mood filled Ridgeways Baptist Church along Kiambu Road on Wednesday morning as family, friends, and supporters gathered for the requiem mass of the late Albert Ojwang, the 31-year-old teacher and outspoken blogger who died in police custody last month.
Ojwang’s body arrived at the church shortly before the 10:00 a.m. service. Outside, tearful relatives embraced, visibly distraught as mourners continued to stream in, united in grief and a shared demand for justice.
Following the Nairobi service, Ojwang’s body will be transported to Homa Bay County on Thursday, July 3, for burial at his father’s home in Kakwonyo Village on Friday, July 4.
Born in Kakoth, Homa Bay County, Ojwang was arrested on June 7 over an alleged defamatory post on his X (formerly Twitter) account. Police initially claimed he had injured himself in a cell and was later pronounced dead at Mbagathi Hospital. However, a post-mortem report revealed he died from blunt-force trauma, with clear signs of assault.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my only son,” said Ojwang’s father during the service. “We are completely shattered by this tragedy.”
Ojwang’s death sparked nationwide protests beginning June 9, fueling public outrage over police brutality and extrajudicial killings. Human rights organizations and political leaders have since demanded full accountability.
Several police officers suspected to be involved in his death have been arrested and are under investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
President William Ruto condemned the incident as “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” pledging government support for a transparent and independent probe.
As the funeral proceedings continue, mourners echoed Ojwang’s call for truth and accountability. His death has now become a powerful symbol in Kenya’s ongoing struggle against abuse and impunity within the country’s security forces.
Written By Rodney Mbua
