The funeral for slain teacher and blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang’ on Friday reignited calls for police reforms and justice  for suspects who die in custody, intensifying scrutiny on Kenya’s National Police Service (NPS).

Mourners gathered at Nyawango Primary School grounds in Homa Bay, demanding an end to police brutality, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, especially against critics of the government.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga condemned the arrest of Ojwang’ at his father’s home, followed by brief detention at Mawego Police Station before officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) drove him to Nairobi’s Central Police Station where he died.

“The police must operate within the law. We will follow up to ensure that those responsible are charged with murder and convicted of hanging, the same way they did to Albert,” said Wanga.

Her remarks echoed statements by Members of Parliament (MPs) Millie Odhiambo, Eve Obara and Joyce Bensuda, who joined hundreds of young mourners at the service.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino called for the arrest and prosecution of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Eliud Lagat, whose complaint led to Ojwang’s arrest. Lagat has stepped aside to allow investigations but ignored calls for resignation, sparking protests on Tuesday, June 17.

“DIG Eliud Lagat must be arrested, taken to court, and must get a life sentence for Albert’s death,” said Owino.

Six suspects, including Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Central Police Station Samson Talaam, have been charged over the murder.

However, mourners criticised the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for dragging its investigations one month after the case file was opened.

Bloggers used the funeral to push back against the targeting of online voices. 

“You can’t kill all of us. We will continue calling out the government. Justice for Albert. You can’t kill us and lead us,” said Beverly Kwamboka, an influencer.

Ojwang’s family vowed to seek justice, revealing that he planned to run for a Member of County Assembly (MCA) seat to represent Kokwanyo Ward.

“I’m stunned at what the police have put me through. They took my only child. They should have asked my son whether he had siblings. Albert, please avenge your death,” noted Eucabeth Adhiambo, the deceased’s mother.

Ojwang’ is survived by his wife Nevnina Anyango, whom he married in 2021, and their two-year-old son.

Meanwhile, Mawego National Polytechnic students denied torching Mawego Police Station during a procession with Ojwang’s body on Thursday, saying they were sitting their exams at the time.