The memorial for Albert Omondi Ojwang at Ridgeways Baptist Church in Nairobi was filled with emotion, pain, and strong calls for justice. Friends, family, and ordinary Kenyans came together to remember the 31-year-old teacher and blogger whose life was cut short in police custody.
His mother and widow, Nevinina Onyango, stood in front of mourners with heavy hearts, describing the torture Albert went through. According to Nevinina, his body had injuries all over, making it clear that he was beaten badly before his death.
She said his head looked smashed, and his face was hard to recognize.Albert was arrested on June 6 at his home in Kakoth, Homa Bay County. Police claimed he had defamed Deputy Inspector-General Eliud Lagat through social media posts.
He was quickly transferred to Nairobi’s Central Police Station, far from home. Two days later, on June 8, he was found unconscious in his cell and declared dead at Mbagathi Hospital.
The initial police statement claimed he hurt himself, but an autopsy confirmed that he suffered blunt-force injuries and strangulation, meaning he was violently assaulted.
What happened to Albert was not just a case of poor handling it was a brutal killing.
Anger erupted across the country after news of Albert’s death spread. On June 9, protests broke out in Nairobi and other towns. Activists, including groups like Amnesty Kenya, demanded accountability.
Police responded with tear gas, but people continued shouting his name and demanding justice. Under public pressure, Deputy IG Lagat stepped aside on June 16, though many still believe he had a role in the arrest and should be fully investigated.
So far, six people have been charged with murder, including three police officers. One of them is Constable James Mukhwana, who was reportedly on duty the night Albert died.
Another is Samson Taalam, the officer in charge of the cell. There are reports that Albert was targeted and assaulted on orders from senior officers. Efforts by some of the suspects to stop the case have been rejected by the court.
Justice Mugambi ruled that the trial will continue at Kibera Law Courts. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has warned against protecting those involved.
At the memorial, mourners wept and sang quietly. Nevinina held a photo of Albert smiling beside their young son. She promised not to rest until everyone responsible is punished.
Her words carried weight, and the people around her agreed. Albert’s name has now become a symbol of resistance against police brutality. His death will not be forgotten. The demand for justice has only just begun.
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