MP Peter Salasya Slams Governor Sakaja's Aid to Albert Ojwang's Family

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has criticised Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja for prioritising material support to the family of the late teacher Albert Ojwang over the pursuit of justice for his killing.

Salasya condemned Sakaja’s swift move to pledge assistance to the family, arguing that justice should take precedence before any offers of support are made.

“It is unfortunate that Sakaja rushed to the deceased’s family with promises of a job for the widow and school fees for the child. While well-intended, most Kenyans want to see justice for Albert first,” Salasya stated.

He underscored the need to value human life, saying the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death should not be downplayed.

“Life is sacred. Sakaja must be reminded that offering assistance without addressing the injustice sets a worrying precedent. We cannot normalise this,” he added.

The vocal MP stressed that failure to address the killing seriously could signal tolerance for violence in society, making it easier for such tragedies to be forgotten.

“If we don’t treat this with the seriousness it deserves, we risk becoming a society where someone is killed and life moves on as if nothing happened. Even if the widow is helped or remarries, Albert's life still mattered. Justice must come first.”

Salasya also urged Kenyans to stand in solidarity against injustice and violence, warning that silence and complacency could make everyone vulnerable.

During his visit to Ojwang’s family, Governor Sakaja had pledged to fund the child's education and support the widow's college tuition — a gesture that some, including Salasya, deemed mistimed.

Sakaja, however, maintained that his support was both immediate and long-term, while also calling for justice. “Albert and I have been friends for years. He was a trusted influencer. We will support his widow through college, raise his son George Miles, and cover all burial costs — but we must also demand justice,” Sakaja said.

He acknowledged the emotional toll the tragedy would have on Ojwang’s young son, who will grow up without a father.

Sakaja also revealed that the family had suggested channeling all contributions into a Money Market Fund to secure the child’s future, rather than spending it solely on funeral arrangements — a move he supported.

“As the widow nears completion of her training as a health worker, we will ensure she secures employment within the county,” he added.

The governor further noted plans to establish a sustainable source of income for Ojwang’s parents through property investment.

"We want true justice for Albert. His son George may never understand what happened to his father, but he deserves a future safeguarded from this tragedy. As a country, we cannot continue to treat such cases casually," Sakaja said.