Albert Ojwang: Tension as Mawego Polytechnic Students Carry Slain Blogger's Body to Police Station
- Albert Ojwang's body was returned to his home village in Homa Bay county, ahead of his burial on Friday, July 4
- The body was received by a large crowd, dominated by students from Mawego National Polytechnic, who made anti-police chants
- The 31-year-old died in police custody on June 8, after his arrest for making an alleged derogatory post online
- Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, human rights lawyer Dennis Ayeko said Albert Ojwang’s death and Mawego station arson show deepening mistrust in police
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The body of slain blogger Albert Ojwang has arrived at his home village in Homa Bay county.
Source: Facebook
Albert died in police custody on June 8, and the autopsy report indicates that a blow to the head was likely the cause of death.
The body has been received by a huge crowd, dominated by young people and students from the nearby Mawego National Polytechnic.
A video has captured them carrying the casket and making anti-police chants.
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According to Ramogi TV, the students were taking the body to Mawego Police Station as a way of showing their anger.
"Mawego Polytechnic students carrying Albert Ojwang's body to Mawego Police Station," read their caption.
In another clip shared by YouTuber 2Mbili, a long line of mourners could be seen in the clip, making their way to the station.
Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, human rights lawyer Dennis Ayeko warned that the violent death of Albert Ojwang and the subsequent burning of Mawego Police Station reflect growing public mistrust in state institutions, especially the police.
He explained that while civil unrest is never ideal, it is often rooted in a deep sense of injustice and helplessness when state mechanisms fail to deliver justice.
“When the justice system is perceived to protect perpetrators rather than victims, people resort to emotional, even radical, expressions of grief and rage. What happened in Mawego was not merely about Albert’s death, it was a symbolic act against a system seen to have failed,” Ayeko told TUKO.co.ke.
Did Albert Ojwang's mourners torch police station?
The mourners stormed Mawego Police Station and set it on fire.
Notably, Albert was first taken to Mawego Police Station before his fateful transfer to Nairobi.
Source: Facebook
Kenyans have since reacted to the news in different ways.
Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko took to X and wrote:
"Enraged protesters stormed Mawego Police Station and set it on fire as they marched with Albert Ojwang’s body, protesting his brutal killing. This is the same station where he was first held before being transferred to Nairobi."
@SakawaOteny0:
"The level of anger that is unfolding in this country it's only God knows. May God protect our country."
@WoodyMokuaN:
"And the Homa Bay leaders are nowhere to be seen. The people are determined."
@DukePrince:
"Let the government say again is Gachagua who mobilised the mourners to burn the police station. This time, Gen Zs are unstoppable."
@McaLydiaNakitang'aWafula:
"Na venye Gen z, wamekua kando, no one will understand their move, walijifanya hawajali tena, kumbe they were planning something."
@ShabilzsUg:
"Honestly, this is getting out of hand now."
@SenatorAbdi0:
"Power belongs to the people."
@OuterLesh:
"This is just a small number of youths in a peaceful Homa Bay that didn't protest last week..... Heh... Verily, the youth require a delicate touch."
@heisgucho:
"The people are tired, but the government keeps being arrogant. The level of the anger that's in this country only God knows.
@EdnaEdna"
"As a parent, I shed tears 😭 ."
@Everlyne Blessed Wafula:
"He's a hero, people are very sad."
@Joyce Kalangi:
"Just but a confused generation did Mawego police station, police officers kill Albert, what did they do to the body now that you tired yourselves taking him there?"
What to know about Albert Ojwang's death
- The slain blogger was arrested at his family home when he was about to have lunch with his family.
- Ojwang called his wife, Nevnina Onyango, after he arrived in Nairobi and booked at Central Police Station, telling her he loved her and they would meet soon.
- Ojwang's mother moved Kenyans to tears with her message to her son, urging him to haunt his killers.
- Mzee Meshack Opiyo painfully mourned his only son, sending a stern message to the blogger's killers.
- Nevnina shared details of her relationship with Ojwang, revealing they met in 2021 through a mutual friend.
- The teacher and blogger's family denied claims that they received KSh 10 million in donations from Kenyans.
What did Kipchumba Murkomen say about protesting near stations?
In other news, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen issued an order granting police officers the authority to use lethal force.
He stated that this directive would apply to anyone who approaches or attempts to attack police stations.
Murkomen made these comments on Thursday, June 26, a day after nationwide protests had hit major towns during the June 25 anniversary demonstrations.
In his remarks, Murkomen stood by the actions of the police.
His statements seemed to refer to incidents where protesters had stormed police stations and government buildings.
This order was interpreted as shoot to kill, and many leaders and Kenyans called him out.
Caren Nyota, HoD Entertainment, added details on what to know about Albert Ojwang's death.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
