Meshack Ojwang, the father of the late blogger Albert Ojwang, has sparked controversy after appearing in a viral video expressing gratitude to a hearse service that transported his son’s body.
In the footage, Meshack describes his son’s death as “an accident” and shares how the service provider assisted him during a difficult time.
“When this tragedy occurred, I had no family nearby. I had no one to support me in this situation. To say that he would take care of transporting the body from here to the mainland, I am grateful for how the family has helped us bear this heavy burden,” Meshack states while standing next to the hearse carrying his son’s body.
“It’s a significant expense. As a family, we cannot afford this. This level of service is beyond our means, but he has uplifted us in a unique way by ensuring that this body is transported with dignity. Once again, I say thank you,” he concludes.
The video has elicited a range of reactions online.
@XvetDr remarked, “My heart aches watching him endure this visible torment, of a soul caught in currents beyond his strength. Only the willfully blind would deny the old man’s obvious distress in making this video. One need not know all the details to see that he appears to be under significant strain.”
@411Ke_ added, “Is this parent being reduced to an influencer just because he cannot navigate this journey alone?”
@Paulkim expressed, “His 15 seconds of fame is almost over. I feel sorry for him. When the attention fades, he will be left to confront his grief by himself.”
@Gitauantony3 questioned, “Imagine your son—your hope for a better future—being taken from you by those meant to protect. Now, the father has become a social media figure, thanking opportunists who ‘sympathize’ on camera. Is nobility still noble if it must be performed?”
Ojwang’s memorial service took place at Ridgeways Baptist Church, filled with sorrow and solidarity, as family, friends, human rights activists, and community members gathered to celebrate his life and demand justice.
In a heartfelt message, Meshack warned that those responsible for his son’s death would never find peace.
“To those who torment their fellow humans by shedding blood, you bring suffering. This message is for those who take lightly the act of spilling the blood of the defenseless. It will not bring peace to their families, to the nation, or to themselves,” he stated.
A notable feature of the memorial was the sleek black limousine hearse that transported Ojwang’s body. The modern vehicle, equipped with glass panel doors that opened upwards, provided a clear view of the polished casket inside.
By Kenyans