A sombre wave of grief and outrage swept through mourners gathered at Nyawango Primary School for the burial of Albert Ojwang, a high school teacher and blogger whose controversial death has ignited national outcry and calls for justice. 

Ojwang’s coffin—draped in both the Kenyan national flag and the banner of his beloved football club, Manchester United, served as a powerful symbol of a life full of potential, brutally cut short under murky circumstances that continue to fuel public anger. 

Conspicuously absent from the funeral was former Prime Minister and ODM party leader Raila Odinga. 

Among those in attendance were ODM chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, National Assembly Minority Whip and Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara and Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Osogo.  

The leaders stood in solidarity with the bereaved family, urging swift legal action and accountability. 

“We will not relent,” Wanga declared. “Those who have been arrested must be charged with murder. Justice demands nothing less. They must face the full force of the law, including the death penalty if found guilty.” 

Wanga reaffirmed ODM’s commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law, promising to closely monitor the legal process to its conclusion. 

Echoing her sentiments, Millie urged Kenyans to put aside political and ethnic divisions and unite in demanding justice: “In moments like these, unity is our strongest weapon. We must come together as a nation and demand accountability.” 

Osogo condemned the growing trend of extrajudicial killings and abductions, emphasizing the need for professional conduct within the police service. 

“It’s unacceptable that some officers act in ways that suggest they need psychological assessment before being allowed to serve the public,” she said. 

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino offered an emotional tribute, describing Ojwang’s death as “tragic and avoidable,” recounting the sacrifices made by Ojwang’s father, Meshack Opiyo, to educate his son. 

“His father endured back-breaking work at construction sites just to educate him. That son was his hope for a better tomorrow,” Babu said tearfully. 

“Instead of protecting lives, some officers have turned into executioners. Those responsible must be jailed for life.” 

Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara also criticised the conduct of masked or unidentified police officers during arrests. 

“The Constitution is clear. Police officers must identify themselves when arresting anyone. Wearing masks and disguises is unlawful and deeply disturbing,” she said. 

The funeral service drew hundreds, including former students and colleagues from Mawego National Polytechnic, where Ojwang had previously taught.

Emotional tributes flowed freely, none more poignant than the words of his father: 

“I always believed he would change our family’s future. He was intelligent, determined, and full of promise. It is heartbreaking that he died before fulfilling his purpose.” 

As the nation reels from yet another case of alleged police misconduct, all eyes now turn to the authorities and the judiciary. The public waits with bated breath—hoping that justice for Albert Ojwang will not be delayed, or worse, denied. 

The terms of a high politics that rarely works in their interests. 

What next? 

Whatever happens next, Ruto’s re-awakening of class identities has shifted the character of Kenya’s politics in ways even he could not have predicted. 

Tethered to notions of generation – the Gen-Z, Millennial and Gen-X alliance taking on the gerontocrats of the establishment – economic issues look set to remain at the forefront of national politics.