“It’s heavy on me. It’s heavy on my son. He doesn’t even understand what is happening, but the weight is there,” she said quietly.
A Nation in Mourning
In a solemn and emotional ceremony held on Wednesday at Ridgeways Baptist Church in Nairobi, family, friends, and concerned Kenyans gathered to pay their last respects to Albert Ojwang’—a teacher, blogger, husband and father who tragically lost his life while in police custody.
The requiem mass was marked by sorrow, love and an unrelenting demand for justice.
Emotions ran high as those closest to Albert shared memories of his life and expressed anguish over the circumstances surrounding his untimely death.
Father’s Anguished Lament
Albert’s father, Meshack Ojwang’, addressed mourners with a heavy heart, condemning the brutality that led to his son’s death.
He spoke powerfully about the pain of losing a child to violence and accused those responsible of prioritizing power over justice.
“The innocent blood of Albert that was spilled by those in power so they can remain in power and hide their evil deeds… they may retain respect and riches, but they will never know peace,” Meshack declared.
He drew parallels between his son’s death and the biblical story of Cain and Abel, noting that Cain was forever haunted by his actions.
“God said that Abel’s blood is crying out to Him from the ground. I now understand that spilled blood brings suffering. Only the blood of Jesus can bless,” he added.
A Mother’s Painful Goodbye
Albert’s mother, Eucabeth Adhiambo, delivered a moving tribute to her son, urging him not to rest until justice is served.
She recalled the final moments before his arrest, describing how he trembled as police officers arrived at their home.
“He was about to eat the food I had prepared. Then the officers came. He began trembling, but he told me he hadn’t broken any law,” she recounted tearfully.
“I am sorry, Albert. You were taken from me before you could even eat your ugali. You hadn’t even taken the first bite,” she said, her voice shaking with emotion.
“I apologize for letting you go hungry. You were innocent and scared, and I couldn’t protect you.”
Eucabeth criticized the officers for not considering the human cost of their actions.
“They should have asked him how many children he had. They should have seen the man he truly was—a kind soul who harmed no one.”
A Widow’s Heartbreak
Albert’s wife, Nevnina Onyango, also spoke at the ceremony, describing her late husband as her moral compass and greatest supporter. Struggling to hold back tears, she expressed the profound grief she and their young son are enduring.
“It’s heavy on me. It’s heavy on my son. He doesn’t even understand what is happening, but the weight is there,” she said quietly.
She recalled their last conversation, which took place while Albert was being held at Central Police Station.
“I believe I was the last person he spoke to. His last words were, ‘I love you, see you soon.’ I never imagined ‘soon’ would be like this.”
Nevnina described the trauma of seeing her husband’s lifeless body. “Seeing him here at the requiem, seeing him at the mortuary, it broke me,” she said.
Determined to honor Albert’s legacy, she vowed to stay strong for their child and his family.
“Albert always told me to be courageous. I want to be strong for our son, for his parents, and for all those who admired him.”
She made an impassioned appeal to law enforcement authorities, urging them to treat every citizen with humanity and dignity.
“I wouldn’t wish this pain on anyone, no parent, no wife, no child. I ask the police and those charged with our safety to remember their duty to protect, not harm. Let them treat everyone with care, even strangers.”
Political Leaders Demand Accountability
Among those present at the memorial were former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi and Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya.
Both leaders pledged to push for a thorough investigation and accountability for Albert’s death.
Their attendance underscored the national significance of the case, which has sparked public outrage and renewed scrutiny over police conduct in Kenya.
Autopsy Reveals Signs of Assault
Albert Ojwang’ died on June 8, 2025, while in custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.
His arrest had been triggered by a complaint from Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat over alleged defamatory content posted on the social media platform X.
An autopsy conducted two days later by government pathologist Dr Bernard Midia revealed that Albert had died from head injuries, neck compression, and multiple soft tissue injuries.
The report ruled out suicide, concluding the injuries were externally inflicted and consistent with physical assault.