The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has held candlelight vigils in all their branches nationwide to honour the life of Albert Ojwang’, who was brutally killed at the hands of police officers on June 7, 2025.

In a statement from the union’s headquarters along Mombasa Road, KUPPET Secretary-General Akello Misori denounced the killing of Ojwang’, and called for transparent investigations into the murder.

“We are gathered here this evening, with similar ceremonies across all KUPPET branches, to commemorate the life of Albert Ojwang’, one of us who was brutally murdered by police officers on Saturday night,” Misori stated.

“As a union, we recognise the pain, fear, anger, and despair that many Kenyans are feeling right now. We denounce police brutality, injustice and all forms of violence. We stand with Ojwang’s family in calling for transparent investigations into the killing and accountability for those responsible.”

Call to teachers

Misori called on all teachers to come together and offer prayers to Ojwang’ who was transferred to the Chiromo Mortuary after an autopsy revealed that he was killed and did not die of suicide, as police had earlier indicated.

“This is a time for teachers and all Kenyans to come together and offer prayers for the families distraught by police violence, shine a spotlight on the security threats that we all face and collectively take action towards creating an open and equitable society that all Kenyans are entitled to,” Misori said.

Ojwang’ was a teacher in Voi after graduating from Pwani University in 2022. He was also a blogger before meeting his untimely death while in police custody.

Promising teacher

“We stand here to condole with Ojwang’s family, friends, colleagues and all those who knew him. The brutal killing of yet another innocent young Kenyan has shaken the country,” Misori noted.

“The killing of a young, promising teacher who was committed to helping children is simply unacceptable. A teacher’s role is not limited to classroom learning or students’ examination outcomes. A teacher is the custodian of values in society. We instil national values and point out social ills, which, paradoxically, is what Ojwang’s killers accuse him of having done.”

“By speaking out strongly against corruption, Ojwang was a model for a new generation of teachers in and outside the classroom. His killing is not only a violation of his rights but also an assault on our national values enshrined in Article 10 of the Constitution. The values include patriotism, national unity, sharing and devolution of power, the rule of law, democracy, and public participation in governance.”

Misori observed that the vigils are a safe space for teachers throughout the country to sympathise with Ojwang’s family and all those who have lost their young members of the family through police brutality.

“This vigil was organised to provide KUPPET and the teaching fraternity a safe space within which to commiserate with Ojwang’s family and the families of other young people who have died at the hands of the police, while also sparing thoughts for teachers working in hardship situations.”