The funeral of Albert Ojwang, the 31-year-old teacher and blogger who tragically died in police custody, took place yesterday, Friday, 4th July, in Homa Bay county.
The emotional service saw mourners pay heartfelt tributes and passionately demand justice for his brutal killing.
His widow, Nevnina Onyango, delivered a poignant eulogy that moved attendees to tears. Dressed elegantly in a long black dress, Nevnina bravely recounted their cherished memories, expressing profound grief and the immense void left by her husband’s absence.
Nevnina's powerful address also served as a rallying cry for continued action. She revealed that Albert would have turned 32 on 7th July, a date that also marks Saba Saba Day, a significant day for protests in Kenya.
She urged Kenyans to join the upcoming demonstrations in large numbers to "celebrate Albert" and ensure justice is served.
"My name is Nevnina... I'm from Kakdhimu, I'm the wife of Albert. I want to say a big thanks to comrades. You have stood with us, and it means a lot. Albert was a good man. Though he has passed through the hands of police officers and died like that, I hope he is going to get justice, but we can only get this justice if you help us. July 7 would have been Albert's birthday, and it will be Saba Saba as well. I want to urge you to come out in large numbers and celebrate Albert," she stated before passing the microphone.
A Friend Recalls Final Moments and the Fight for Justice
Among those who addressed the mourners was Kevin Mboya, a friend who had communicated with Ojwang after his arrest, before he was transported to Nairobi Central Police Station where he later died.
Mboya recounted the desperate attempts to see Ojwang at the Nairobi police station, which proved futile. He explained how he accompanied Ojwang’s father, only to learn the devastating news in the OCPD's office that Albert was no more.
Mboya immediately took to social media to share the news, helping to make it a trending topic and galvanising public support.
"Justice for Albert Ojwang," Mboya declared to the mourners, thanking all Kenyans who voiced support in seeking justice.
He asserted that their collective effort had prevented the case from being dismissed as insignificant. "They thought he was just a small guy, and they would just kill him. It's from your effort that we see progress in getting justice for him,” he stated, also thanking those who stood with the family during their grieving period.
Mboya concluded with a fervent plea: "Please don't rest until those who killed you face the same wrath."
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