Albert Ojwang's requiem mass underway at Ridgeways Baptist Church, Nairobi

Albert Ojwang's body  arrives at Ridgeway Baptist Church along Kiambu Road, Nairobi, ahead of his requiem mass at 10.00 am on July 2, 2025/SCREENGRAB

The body of Albert Ojwang has arrived at Ridgeways Baptist Church along Kiambu Road, Nairobi, this morning, Wednesday, ahead of his requiem mass.

The mass was scheduled to start at 10.00am.

Family, friends, activists and the members of the public have gathered to pay their final respects.

Outside the church, tearful relatives could be seen embracing, visibly distraught as they awaited the service.

Ojwang’s body will be transported to Homa Bay County on Thursday July 3, for burial at his father’s home in Kakwonyo Village on Friday, July 4.

Born in Kakoth, Homa Bay County, Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and outspoken blogger, was arrested on June 7 over an alleged defamation statement on his X account.

He died while in police custody in Nairobi. Authorities initially claimed he injured himself in a cell and was rushed to Mbagathi Hospital where he died.

However, a post‑mortem report revealed blunt-force trauma and evidence of assault.

Ojwang’s father expressed his sorrow over the loss of his only son, describing it as a heartbreaking moment for the family.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my only son,” he said, noting that he was completely shattered after receiving the news of his son’s death.

His death ignited nationwide protests against police brutality on June 9 and beyond, with human rights groups and political leaders demanding accountability.

Suspected police officers who were involved in the killing of Ojwang have since been arrested and linked to the case are under investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

His death has become a rallying point in Kenya’s battle against extrajudicial killings and custodial deaths.

President William Ruto labelled the incident “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” vowing to support an independent and comprehensive investigation

As mourners continue to file into the church, many calls for justice are made not just for Ojwang's family, but for all Kenyans affected by police abuse.