The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) will hold a nationwide vigil to commemorate Albert Ojwang, who died in custody at the Central Police Station.
Speaking on Wednesday during a press briefing, KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori said the vigil will take place at the Union’s headquarters and in all its branches.
“Following the brutal death of our colleague, Mr. Albert Ojwang’, at the hands of police officers, the National Executive Board has decided to commemorate the teacher’s life with a candlelight vigil on Friday, June 13, 2025, starting from 5:00 pm,” Misori said
“The vigils will take place at the union’s head office and in all branches. The Homa bay branch will mark the event with Ojwang’s family at their home in Kokwanyo, Rachuonyo East sub-county,” he added
The SG said the events will be marked by prayers, reading and reflections on the deceased’s life, with thoughts spared for the plight of teachers working in hardship situations and young people who have borne the brunt of extrajudicial executions and kidnappings.
Also present during the press conference were KUPPET officials Sammy Chelanga, secretary for Tertiary, Paul Miangi, national organising secretary, and Njenga Mwithi, national treasurer.
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There has been widespread outrage in the country with rights groups demanding that police be held accountable. This is after an autopsy released on Tuesday revealed that the 31-year-old was strangled to death.
Government pathologist Bernard Midia revealed that the deceased was assaulted and suffered multiple body injuries.
The post-mortem findings contradicted a police report where Ojwang was reported to have hit his head on the wall at the police station.
The slain teacher was arrested in Homa Bay on Friday, over a post on X that was allegedly critical of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat.
On Wednesday, the inspector general of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja Kirocho, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior, Kipchumba Murkomen and other senior officers appeared before the Senate in connection with the death.
They told the Senate that investigations are ongoing to nail those involved in the killing. Senators demanded speed investigations, calling on the DIG Lagat to resign and be investigated.
By Obegi Malack
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