Public attention around the death of Albert Ojwang in police custody continues to linger nearly a year later, with his family now speaking from a position shaped less by the incident itself and more by the prolonged struggle with grief, survival pressure, and an ongoing court process tied to the case.
Ojwang, a young man from Kakoth village in Kabondo Kasipul Constituency, Homa Bay County, was taken from his parents’ home on June 7, 2025 by detectives from Nairobi over a Facebook post. He was held at Central Police Station and died on June 8, 2025 while in custody, triggering legal proceedings that are still active.
His father, Meshack Ojwang’, says the impact of losing his only child has extended far beyond emotional grief, pointing to the collapse of the support system Albert had provided for the household before his death.
He says the family initially experienced public attention and assistance in the aftermath of the incident but that this support gradually reduced over time, leaving them in a more difficult position as months passed.
Meshack also raises concern over commitments made in the period following Albert’s burial, saying some of them were never implemented.
“Mzee Meshack states that Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja promised to offer Albert’s wife a job after graduation, give her a house in Nairobi and buy a plot for the family in Lida trading center. Promises the father claims have not been fulfilled.”
He further says that after he publicly appreciated President William Ruto for financial assistance during burial arrangements, the broader support network around the family weakened.
Albert’s mother, Eucabeth Ojwang’, describes the loss as one she is still unable to process, saying Albert was her only child and the emotional toll remains severe.
She adds that the grief has disrupted her daily life and personal routines, noting difficulties returning to normal activities after the incident.
The family also says they have faced periods of hardship, describing a situation where they have had to adjust to limited means while dealing with the emotional weight of the case.
They further express concern over what they term misleading information circulating online about their circumstances, saying it adds strain during an already sensitive period.
As court proceedings continue, the family says they remain focused on the legal process and are calling for patience as they wait for clarity on what happened to Albert while in custody at Central Police Station.
