By Habil Onyango
A somber mood enveloped Kakoth village in Kabondo Kasipul Constituency as the late Albert Ojwang was laid to rest on Friday.
Leaders who attended the burial ceremony committed to ensuring that those involved in this heinous act are brought to justice.
Among the attendees were Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Minority Whip and Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, Embakasi MP Babu Owino, area MP Eve Obara, and Homa Bay Woman Representative Bensuda Osogo.
“With heavy hearts, we laid to rest Albert who was a young and industrious gentleman whose life was characterized by unwavering dedication to community service,” she said.
Governor Wanga reiterated her commitment to supporting the family in their pursuit of justice, stating that Albert’s legacy of service and kindness will not be forgotten.
She emphasized that the leaders stand united in demanding accountability and closure for this tragic loss.
“His untimely passing has left us with profound sorrow, unanswered questions, and a deep void in the hearts of all who knew him,” noted the Governor.
Wanga urged the police to operate within the law and the Constitution of Kenya.
She indicated that police officers arrested in connection with Albert’s death should face murder charges in court.
“As a leader from this region, I will personally follow up to ensure that justice is served regarding Albert’s death,” she said.
“We want to make it clear that anyone found culpable in his murder should face a punishment commensurate with the crime.” She added.
Millie Odhiambo shared the deep pain of losing a child in such tragic circumstances, expressing her sympathy for Ojwang’s mother, who had only one child.
“I know the pain a mother endures after losing her only child,” she said.
“It is heartbreaking that after God blesses you with a child, someone so lost and confused can end that life so violently.”
She asserted that despite the ODM party being part of the Broad-Based Government, they will continue to fight for justice from within.
Babu Owino expressed his sorrow over the loss, highlighting that after the parents’ long struggle to educate their only child, he was now being brought home in a coffin.
He urged the police to fulfill their duty of protecting lives and property, rather than taking them.
“We condemn this act and demand that any police officer involved in Albert’s murder be arrested, taken to court, and given life imprisonment,” he said.
Albert, 31, died in police custody a month ago after being arrested over a post on X that was allegedly critical of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat.
His death sparked nationwide protests, with many youths tragically losing their lives as a result.
Police had claimed that he died due to self-inflicted injuries after hitting his head in police cells.
However, an autopsy and an investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) ruled out any possibility of suicide.
On Thursday, when the body was brought home for burial, chaos erupted, leading to the torching of a Mawego police post by unknown individuals.
In response, Owino remarked, “Since the police alleged that Albert hit his head in the cells, it seems their police post burned itself down.”
Albert’s coffin was draped in a Kenyan flag and adorned with the colors of Manchester United, the football club he passionately supported.
