Angry youth and mourners have turned away police officers, blocking them from the burial ceremony of slain teacher Albert Ojwang at Kokwanyo Village, Mawego.
In videos seen by The Kenya Times, youth could be seen inspecting vehicles entering Nyawango Grounds and directing a police vehicle to move aside.
The police vehicles had several officers on board, with residents pointing their hands as a gesture to tell them to go away.
On Thursday evening, police officers visited the home of the late Albert Ojwang’ to provide security ahead of his burial.
However, their presence was met with strong resistance from villagers, who openly rejected them, chanting that they were not welcome.
Police Officers from Attending Albert Ojwang Burial
Tensions rose as mourners reminded the officers that Albert Ojwang’ died while in police custody. The officers eventually left the scene in silence.
This comes after youth carrying Ojwang’s body stormed and set ablaze Mawego Police Station in Homa Bay on Thursday, July 4.
Also Read: Court Grants OCS Taalam Time in Albert Ojwang’ Death Inquest
Albert’s body was initially scheduled for public viewing at Nyawango Primary School, but the program changed when youths intercepted the convoy about one kilometre from his rural home in Kokwanyo Village.
The group blocked the procession and demanded that the body be taken to the police station where he was first booked before being transferred to Central Police Station in Nairobi.
Albert’s father, Meshack Ojwang pleaded with the youths to refrain from moving the body, but his plea fell on deaf ears.
Mawego Police Station Torched
This led to a three-hour standoff, which eventually culminated in the youth removing the coffin from the hearse and marching towards Mawego Police Station.
Upon arrival, the angry group dismantled barricades and set the station on fire in protest over Ojwang’s death. By then, the police had already vacated the post.
It took officers from Kendu Bay Police Station to restore calm at the facility in Karachuonyo Constituency.
Also Read: Protesters Carrying Albert Ojwang’s Body Set Police Station on Fire
Ojwang was arrested in his home in Homa Bay after allegedly defaming Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat and later died while in police custody at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.
Following the incident, DIG Eliud Lagat stepped aside on June 16, pending the outcome of investigations into the death of Albert Ojwang.
People Linked to Ojwang’s Death
In a statement, Lagat said he was stepping aside in the “good and conscious thought” that his responsibilities as Deputy Inspector General should not interfere with independent investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
So far, at least six individuals have been charged with Ojwang’s murder, including Central Police Station OCS Samson Talam and Police Constable James Mukhwana.
Talam, Mukhwana, Peter Kimani, John Ginge Gitau, Gin Ammitou Abwao, and Brian Mwaniki Njue are accused of jointly murdering Ojwang on the night of June 7th and 8th, 2025, at Central Police Station in Nairobi.
The six appeared before Lady Justice Diana Kavedza, where they denied the charges.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) strongly opposed their release on bail or bond, citing several compelling grounds.
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