By Valentine Omondi
When Albert Ojwang died, his death sparked national outrage, drew politicians to his family doorstep, and inspired thousands of Kenyans, especially Gen Z, to rally behind his grieving loved ones.
Promises of support flowed freely, offering hope that his widow and young son would not have to face the future alone.
More than a year later, that hope has largely faded. The promises were in words and not in deed.
In an emotional interview with Mwelekeo TV, Albert’s widow, Nevnina Onyango, painted a picture of a family struggling to rebuild after tragedy, saying many of the commitments made in the aftermath of her husband’s death have never materialised.
Last moment
For Nevnina, the painful memories begin with the last conversation she had with Albert before learning of his death.
She recalled that Albert called and asked whether she would be coming to see him at the police station. She told him that his father would be the one visiting instead.
According to her, Albert remained optimistic, saying he would handle whatever he had been summoned for, stay strong, and that they would see each other soon.
She expected another phone call the following morning but instead, a dark, pregnant cloud hung over her head.
Just as the wait for a telephone call was becoming unbearable, she decided to pass time on social media.
At first, she thought it was one of those bad dreams, but the post and social media were awash with Albert’s death in the police cell.
“I blacked out and took time before I regained consciousness. I thought it was a bad dream, but it was a reality. That marked the beginning of my nightmare,” she said.
Change
That moment changed her life forever. It has never been the same for the family. The love and dream that the young family had came to a crushing fall.
From national attention to quiet struggle
Nevnina says life changed dramatically after Albert was laid to rest.
“We are struggling to normalise life. The politicians who used to come no longer come the moment Albert was buried. Only a few relatives and friends still visit,” she said.
She described the burden of raising Albert’s son alone, saying every day reminds her of the husband she lost.
According to her, whenever their son asks for something she cannot afford, she is painfully reminded that there was someone missing from their lives.
“What keeps me going is Albert’s son. Every time I look at him, I see Albert, and I am inspired never to give up,” she said.
Promises that remain unfulfilled
Following Albert’s death, numerous leaders and individuals publicly pledged to support the family.
Nevnina acknowledged that Albert’s parents were built a house by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and expressed gratitude to Dr Eve Obara, whom she said honoured her promise by paying her school fees.
However, she said several other commitments remain unfulfilled.
Among them, she said, was a promise that her son’s school fees would be fully catered for.
According to Nevnina, despite making follow-ups, she has received no feedback and nothing has been done.
She also said Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja made promises to assist her, but despite attempts to reach him, she has not received any response.
Nevnina further revealed that she had been promised employment after completing her studies, but she remains jobless.
“There is no feedback from anyone, and I remain jobless. What became of the promises?” she said.
She also dismissed reports that she had been given an apartment.
“There was nothing like an apartment that was given to me. I am struggling to even pay rent,” she said.
She claimed some people used Albert’s death for political and personal gain and have never returned to support the family.
The hidden psychological cost
Beyond financial hardship, Nevnina spoke candidly about the emotional impact of promises that were never fulfilled.
She urged leaders and well-wishers not to make commitments simply to comfort grieving families for optics.
“It is wrong to promise when you know that promise will not be honoured. It psychologically drains the family,” she said.
According to her, broken promises leave grieving families questioning why they have been forgotten once public attention fades.
Searching for an opportunity
Despite the challenges, Nevnina says she is ready to work.
She revealed that she studied Community Health Development and HIV Testing Services and appealed to anyone willing to offer her employment.
Remembered beyond the headlines
Even amid disappointment, Nevnina expressed heartfelt gratitude to Kenyans who stood with the family during their darkest moments.
She particularly thanked Gen Z supporters, saying their financial contributions and solidarity eased the burden when the family needed help most.
She also praised Albert’s friends, describing them as family who continue to stand by her after many others moved on.
