Angry mourners set police station ablaze as they protest Ojwang’s death

Hundreds of angry mourners set ablaze the Mawego Police Station in Homa Bay where teacher and blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang was briefly held before being transported to the Nairobi Central police Station where he met his death.

Tension build up after the angry mourners stormed the police station and started setting some of its infrastructure on fire.

Viral videos on social media show protesters carrying uprooted signage of the police station while protesting Ojwang’s killing while others carried the casket containing his body.

After the confrontation at the station, Ojwang’s body was taken to his parents’ home in Kokwayo Village, Kabondo Kasipul.

Some officers were spotted carrying their personal belongings out of the police quarters, while others desperately poured water on the buildings in a bid to contain the fire.

This comes after the family on Wednesday recounted moments when the teacher was picked up at his parents’ home, to when they received calls about his death in Nairobi.

While paying tribute to her only son, Ojwang’s mother, Eucabeth Adhiambo, has regretted not having allowed her son to have a meal before being taken into custody.

The mother apologized for letting him go as she struggled with tears, adding that Albert had assured him that he had done nothing wrong.

“Albert, my son, I’m sorry. You were taken from my hands before you even ate the food I had given you; you hadn’t even started on your ugali. I apologise for letting you go while you were still hungry. You were shaking when they came for you, but you told me you hadn’t done anything,” the mother narrated.

The widow, Nevnina Onyango, shared an emotional tribute and the heavy tragedy that has befallen her young family.

She remembered how the slain teacher’s last word was his love for her, and that they would meet soon, without knowing that it was their last conversation.

“Albert left unexpectedly, but it was God’s will. It’s heavy on me and my son, who doesn’t even understand what’s happening. Albert was my everything. When we last spoke while he was at Central Police, I was the last person he talked to. His words were, ‘I love you, see you soon.’ I didn’t know those would be his last. I wouldn’t wish the pain we’re going through on anyone. I urge the police to treat everyone fairly,” she shared.

The deceased will be interred at his family home on Friday, even as investigations into his murder is ongoing, with four officers and two civilians facing murder charges at the Kibera Law Courts.

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga approved murder charges after receiving a file from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

Those charged with the murder are Nairobi Central police Station OCS Samson Talaam, police constable James Mukhwana, a deserted from the General Service Unit (GSU)John Ngige Gitau and civilians Gin Ammitou Abwao and Brian Mwaniki Njue.

Ojwang died while in police custody at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.

He was arrested at his home in Homa Bay after the Deputy Inspector General of police, Eliud Lagat, had launched complaints of the blogger defaming him on social media.