
Initially, a small group of mourners gathered in a rural Kenyan village as preparations for a funeral unfolded. Men worked to dig a grave while meat from at least 10 slaughtered bulls cooked over open fires, and large tents were set up with seating for the expected crowd.
As the sun rose, thousands of people descended upon the village to attend the funeral of Albert Ojwang, a blogger who died in police custody last month. Many attendees wore clothing adorned with a portrait of Ojwang or shirts that read, “Rest in Power, Albert.” His death has ignited widespread discontent in Kenya regarding perceived corruption and police misconduct.
The funeral, held in Kakoth Village near Ojwang’s family home, featured speeches from religious leaders, politicians, and activists who addressed the crowd under a winter sun. Attendees sang hymns and participated in chants, creating a charged atmosphere of mourning and protest.
During the burial, Ojwang’s casket was carried by young men and placed in the grave, draped with the Kenyan flag and the colors of his favorite soccer team. His widow, Nevnina Onyango Omondi, sat with their 3-year-old son and expressed her hope for unity against police brutality, recalling her husband’s last words to her as he was taken away by the police.
Ojwang, 31, was detained by individuals claiming to be police officers on June 6 and later transported to Nairobi. Following his death, an autopsy revealed injuries consistent with assault, contradicting the police’s initial claims that he had died from self-inflicted wounds.
Odhiambo Ojiro, an activist at the funeral, criticized the police’s actions, suggesting that Ojwang’s death serves as a warning against speaking out. He stated that the government’s tactics would not silence the youth of Kenya.
After Ojwang’s death, six men, including three police officers, were charged with murder. This incident highlights a troubling pattern of police brutality and extrajudicial killings in Kenya, with human rights organizations documenting numerous cases in recent years.
Public anger escalated following the funeral, resulting in the burning of the police station where Ojwang was held prior to his death. The area remains tense, with community members skeptical about whether justice will be served in this case.
Omondi, reflecting on the situation, voiced uncertainty about accountability for her husband’s death, stating that the outcome of the case would indicate the justice of the country.