By Habil Onyango
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga today delivered a personal condolence and financial support from President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to the family of the late Albert Ojwang, who recently died in a police cell.
Wanga who was accompanied by Kasipul MP Dr Eve Obara, visited the family at their Kokwanyo home, where she told the family about the president’s commitment to ensure justice is done and those responsible for the death of the teacher are prosecuted.
Wanga assured the family on the President commitment to ensure justice for Ojwang was delivered and that he was committed to protecting sanctity of life.
The Governor called for the arrest and prosecution of those behind the murder of Ojwang, regardless of their positions in the government.
Wanga emphasized that Kenyans deserve to know who orchestrated this horrific crime and that those involved should face the full force of the law, with no sacred cows in the pursuit of justice.
Ojwang was taken into custody at his father’s home in Homa Bay on charges.
He was transported to Nairobi, where he was booked and subsequently beaten to death, dying on June 7, just hours after his arrest.
Already the Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat who has come under scrutiny after he made complaints over alleged false publication against him by Ojwang’, has stepped aside from his position to allow for an impartial investigation into the death.
Lagat’s decision came after sustained uproar from the public and civil society groups, many of whom had called for his resignation to ensure transparency and accountability in the ongoing investigations.
“Today, we gather here at Mzee Meshack Ojwang’s homestead, the father of Albert, who is no longer with us.
This was not due to an accident or illness, but because some rogue police officers chose to bypass due process, took the law into their own hands, and murdered Ojwang’.
We are calling for swift justice for the late Ojwang—not justice in words but action,” Wanga added.
So far, police have questioned more than 20 individuals in connection with Ojwang’s murder, including 17 police officers and six civilians.
Two police officers, Officer Commanding Station Samson Talam and Constable James Mukhwana, have already been arrested for their involvement in the murder.
Talam spent his weekend in the Lang’ata police cells, where he had previously served as the deputy station commander.
A technician who tampered with the CCTV camera system at the station is also in custody.
“We have seen progress being made by the police in terms of arrests and bringing individuals to court, but Kenyans want to identify those who orchestrated Ojwang’s murder—those who came up with the idea,” Wanga stated.
“In times like this, one might wish for an eye for an eye because of the profound sadness we feel as a community and for the family,” she said.
“Justice must be expedited, as justice delayed is justice denied,” she concluded, alongside Obara, during their visit to the family in Kakelo Kokwanyo.
Obara called for the matter to be resolved thoroughly and for those responsible to be held accountable. She questioned the rationale behind Ojwang’s arrest and transport to Nairobi when courts were available in Homa Bay and neighboring counties.
She also raised concerns about the motives for Ojwang’s detention at Central Police Station and the circumstances surrounding his treatment while in custody.
Ojwang was the only child in his family.
Obara cautioned Kenyans, especially the youth, to be more careful about what they post online, stating some individuals can have malicious intentions.
“To our children, not everyone has a good heart.
Some people are evil, and you must be very careful with your social media posts to prevent such tragedies from happening to anyone else,” she urged.
The family has not yet set a date for Ojwang’s burial.
EDITED BY: HOPE BARBRA
