What began as a solemn farewell for slain teacher Albert Ojwang spiraled into chaos on July 3, as enraged Gen Z mourners torched parts of Mawego Police Station, the place where his arrest journey had started.
The funeral procession was set to proceed quietly from Nyawango Primary School, but tension escalated when groups of youths insisted that Ojwang’s body be taken to the police station first.Ignoring emotional pleas from Ojwang’s father to head straight home for burial, the crowd forcefully redirected the procession.
They marched three kilometers to Mawego, chanting slogans and singing dirges. Upon arrival, the group broke into the station, vandalizing property and destroying sensitive files—including investigation documents, the Occurrence Book, and signed statements.
Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem confirmed that, apart from the extensive damage, several items were stolen during the rampage.
These included household items from a staff house, uniforms, electronics, and the station’s official signpost.The report office and the OCS’s office were left in ruins. Fortunately, no officers were injured.
Forensic investigators have since been dispatched to the scene to assess the damage and collect evidence.
Meanwhile, Mawego National Polytechnic distanced its students from the destruction, stating that most were off-campus or attending exams.
Ojwang’s controversial arrest and mysterious death the following day in Nairobi sparked national outrage, eventually forcing Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat to step aside.
As investigations continue, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and the DPP’s office are jointly probing officers linked to Ojwang’s death.
In a bittersweet turn, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga gifted the grieving family a new home, fulfilling a dream Albert once held but never lived to see.
By People Daily