Inside Ruto, Raila phone call to Ojwang family
From left: The late Albert Ojwang's father Meshack Opiyo, his mother Eucabeth Adhiambo Ojwang, and his widow Nevinina Onyango Omondi when they visited the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) offices in Nairobi on June 13, 2025.
What you need to know:
- President Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to justice and promised to support the family through this painful period.
- Mr Raila Odinga also reached out to the bereaved family, conveying his condolences and offering his support.
President William Ruto last week spoke directly with the family of Albert Ojwang, the high school teacher who died under controversial circumstances while in police custody.
During the phone call, the Head of State assured the family that justice would be served, vowing to personally ensure that those responsible for Mr Ojwang’s death are held accountable.
According to Mr Meshack Opiyo, Ojwang’s father, President Ruto described the deceased as “a son” and took personal responsibility in expressing regret over the tragic loss.
Meshack Opiyo, Eucabeth Adhiambo and Nevnia Onyango at their home in Kakoth Village in Kokwanyo Location on June 16, 2025.
“He said, ‘I’m sorry,’ and we spoke at length. His words were sincere,” Mr Opiyo said.
According to Kenneth Ouma, the family spokesperson, Dr Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to justice and promised to support the family through this painful period.
“I will ensure those who killed Ojwang face the full force of the law,” President Ruto reportedly said according to Kenneth Ouma, the family spokesperson. “The President’s call was primarily to offer condolences and express solidarity with the family, sharing a heartfelt message of sympathy. We spoke with him directly over the phone,” Mr Ouma added.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga also reached out to the bereaved family, conveying his condolences and offering support during their time of grief.
Both Dr Ruto and Mr Odinga made personal financial contributions of Sh2 million and Sh1 million respectively to help in funeral arrangements.
The funds will help cover funeral arrangements, although the family is yet to finalise burial plans.
Mr Opiyo returned to his Kakoth village in Homa Bay County on Sunday after spending a week in Nairobi seeking information about his son's death.
Mr Ojwang was set to be arraigned on charges of publishing false information concerning Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat but died in police custody before the matter could proceed.
Upon returning to the village, Mr Opiyo performed a customary rite formally informing the community of his son’s passing, though word had already spread.
“I’ve come home to tell my people that my son is no more. He had dreams of building me a home,” he said tearfully.
The family remains hesitant to bury their loved one until there is meaningful progress in the investigation.
“We believe the burial should happen only when justice is within reach after those who orchestrated his abduction and murder are brought to book,” Mr Opiyo said, adding that many questions remain unanswered.
Despite widespread speculation, the family has not yet filed a petition in court. Mr Ouma clarified that while they have communicated their position to a magistrate handling the case, they are waiting for the conclusion of official investigations before taking any legal action.
“Civil society groups and politicians have joined us in mourning but we are not aligned with any of them. We will decide our next steps once the post-mortem report and other findings are in,” he said.
On Monday, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Kabondo Kasipul Member of Parliament (MP) Eve Obara visited the family to offer their condolences.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga (right) and Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara (second left) condole with the family of Albert Ojwang in Kakoth Village in Kokwanyo Location on June 16, 2025.
Governor Wanga condemned the killing, calling it a clear abuse of power by rogue officers.
“Ojwang did not die of natural causes. His death was the result of an officer who chose to defy the law and take matters into his own hands. Everyone involved must be held accountable no one should be above the law,” she said.
The governor further used the opportunity to highlight another troubling incident involving the death of a fisherman, Calvins Omondi Onditi, who was reported to have died by suicide while in police custody at Kipasi Police Post.
Support for the Ojwang family
“Police stations should be sanctuaries, not scenes of death. The rising number of custodial deaths is deeply worrying,” she lamented.
Meanwhile, the Ojwang family continues to receive support from the community and various government entities. Both national and county governments have mobilised resources to assist during the mourning period.
Construction of a permanent house for Mr Opiyo has already begun, an initiative supported by Governor Wanga, who oversaw the laying of the foundation on Monday.
Kenya Power officials also visited the homestead to plan electricity installation, while access roads in the area are being improved to enhance connectivity.