I’m sorry for letting them take you, Omondi’s mother apologises at emotional requiem mass
His widow 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
A sombre mood filled Ridgeways Baptist Church In Nairobi as the family and friends of slain blogger and teacher Albert Omondi Ojwang gathered for his memorial service, remembering his last moments.
While paying tribute to her only son, Albert’s mother, Eucabeth Adhiambo, regretted not having allowed her son to have a meal before being taken into custody.
The mother apologised for letting him go as she struggled with tears, adding that Omondi 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.
“I wish the police asked how many siblings they were before killing him,” she added.
His 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 said.
His father, Meshack Opiyo, the father of slain blogger Albert Ojwang, warned those behind his murder that they would never know peace, adding that his innocent blood will follow them for the rest of their lives.
“The killers of Albert Ojwang may remain rich and powerful but they shall never find peace,” he said.
Quoting from Proverbs chapter 21, which speaks of the story of Cain and Abel, Opiyo said the blood of the innocent always cries out for justice.
As he made his emotional remarks, several mourners wiped tears while others nodded in agreement.
Omondi will be interred at his family home in Homa Bay on Friday even as investigations into his murder is ongoing with four officers and two civilians facing murder charges at the kibera Law courts.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga approved the murder charges after receiving a file from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
Those charged with his murder include Nairobi Central police Station OCS Samson Taalam, James Mukhwana, John Ngige Gitau, Gin Ammitou Abwao, and Brian Mwaniki Njue will also be charged with murder.
Omondi died while in custody at the Central Police Station in Nairobi where he had been whisked to after his arrest by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers.
He was arrested after Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, who has since stepped aside, lodged a complaint that the blogger tarnishing his on social media by linking him to corruption in the service.
